Packages suspected to contain cocaine wash up on Sydney beaches
Image: A barnacle-crusted package suspected to contain cocaine. NSW Police Force, Facebook
by GRACE JOHNSON
NSW Police have issued a warning after seven packages believed to contain cocaine have washed up on beaches between Sydney and Newcastle since late Friday night.
The barnacle-crusted packages have been found on beaches at Magenta, Blacksmiths, Avoca, and Manly, with presumptive tests indicating that the packages contain cocaine.
The first package was found by a member of the public at Magenta at about 8pm on Friday night (22 December). Another three packages were found in the area after police launched a wide-ranging search the next day.
Similar parcels turned up at Manly, Avoca and Blacksmiths beaches after officers searched on Christmas Eve.
The search for more items continues across beaches stretching from Sydney to Newcastle.
Police said the recovered packages have “significant barnacle growth” covering the outer plastic wrapping, and have warned the public against removing or opening any more that are discovered.
Officers will continue to work with Surf Life Saving NSW to search beaches for more possible parcels.
Police are urging members of the public who may have seen similar packages to call triple-0, local police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
