Aristides Avlontis will be extradited to Western Australia in relation to massive cocaine bust
One of three men allegedly involved in the import of up to 365kg of cocaine will be extradited back to Western Australia.
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A man arrested in Darwin in relation to a massive drug bust will be extradited back to Western Australia.
Aristides Avlontis, 36, was one of three men rescued after their boat allegedly capsized while they were fishing on February 1.
Six days after the rescue a black plastic-wrapped package containing cocaine, which had washed ashore, was found near Denmark in southern WA.
The following day, February 8, a seven-metre boat was found off Peaceful Bay, about 45km west of Denmark.
After searching the cabin police allegedly found another eight packages, each containing about 40kg of cocaine, bringing the total seized up to 365kg.
Avlontis was arrested six days later on February 14, at a Darwin home, and was charged with importing a commercial quantity of a border controlled drug.
The Australian Federal Police lodged an extradition request for him to be returned to WA.
He was represented by Darwin Local Court legal aid lawyer Josh Begbie who did not oppose the extradition request.
Avlontis’ family were in the courtroom.
Avlontis will be moved to WA by Friday and will appear in Northbridge Magistrates Court on Saturday.
Police are still searching for Avlontis’ alleged accomplices Mate Stipinovich, 49, and Karl Whitburn, 45, who are thought to be in WA.
AFP Acting Commander Graeme Marshall urged witnesses to come forward.
“We are also appealing for anyone else to call us if they have information to help us find the men, or know anything about this drug importation,” he said.
“The interception of this amount of drugs would be a significant blow to a well-resourced syndicate.”
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