Arrest warrant issued for Sydney man Siafolau Siafolau, 22, over $170m WA coke haul
A Sydney man wanted by authorities investigating the alleged attempted import of more than half a tonne of cocaine found floating off the WA coast is believed to be still in NSW.
A Sydney man wanted by federal police investigating the alleged attempted import of more than half a tonne of cocaine found floating off the WA coast is believed to be still in NSW.
The Australian Federal Police say an arrest warrant has been issued by a Perth court for 22-year-old Siafolau Siafolau, who they allege was involved in unsuccessfully trying to retrieve the drugs after they were dropped off an international livestock carrier more than 30km off the WA coastline.
The AFP say Mr Siafolau travelled to Perth in late October before flying back to Sydney on November 4.
The Daily Telegraph revealed last week that police will allege at least 525kg of cocaine – with an estimated street value of $170m – was dumped off the international livestock carrier off Lancelin, about 125km north of Perth, in early November.
The cocaine was wrapped in waterproof packaging and tied to flotation drums, with authorities alleging that a rail on the ship was cut and security cameras disarmed before the cocaine was dropped overboard.
The ship’s chief officer, Croatian national Tomislav Krajancic, was arrested as police boarded the ship while it was docked in Fremantle Harbour on November 7.
Investigators allegedly located a blue drum and ropes similar to those found with the drugs.
Krajancic, 46, was charged with importing a commercial quantity of a border controlled drug and a back up charge.
He has faced court twice – the last being on November 21 – where he was not required to enter any pleas and made no application for bail.
Krajancic was formally remanded into custody and will reappear in Perth Magistrate’s Court on January 23.
The day before Krajancic’ arrest, police took Perth man Kevin Robert Trill into custody.
They allege Trill, 52, skippered one small vessel, and Sydneysiders August Vailepa and Seth Spiteri used another, launching the boats during various time from Two Rocks boat ramp in a bid to retrieve the cocaine.
Police allege Vailepa and Spiteri had to be rescued after their boat began taking water on November 3. They allege they began investigating after details of the men’s trip “raised suspicions”.
Trill was charged with attempting to possess prohibited drugs with intent to sell or supply and has faced court twice, where he was not been required to enter pleas.
He remains in custody and will face Joondalup Magistrates Court again on December 17.
Spiteri, who court papers have listed as coming from Emu Plains, was arrested on November 18 before being extradited to Western Australia where the 19-year-old faced Perth Magistrates Court on November 20 charged with one count of possessing a commercial quantity of an unlawfully imported border controlled drug.
He has since faced a bail hearing, which was adjourned until this Friday.
Vailepa, a 36-year-old from Prestons, was arrested on November 20 and faced Bail Division Court on Friday charged with one count of possessing a commercial quantity of an unlawfully imported border controlled drug.
Prosecutors alleged in the court that Vailepa had been on a boat to collect the cocaine, though Defence barrister Greg James KC said his client did not participate in all the various journeys made by boat or take into his personal possession any cocaine at all.
Vailepa was extradited to WA and remains before the courts.
The arrests were followed by a public plea on Friday from AFP Insp Matt Taylor for the public to help locate Mr Siafolau, who he said flew back to Sydney on November 4 and was wanted on an arrest warrant.
“We would urge Mr Siafolau to contact police so we can speak to him about this matter,” Insp Taylor said.
“The arrests of two other men in Sydney, after the arrests of two men in Perth earlier this month, show we are committed to identifying and putting before the courts anyone who we believe was involved in this drug trafficking venture.
“We ask anyone who has information about Mr Siafolau’s whereabouts to contact 131 444. We also remind people that anyone assisting him to evade police may face charges.”
Originally published as Arrest warrant issued for Sydney man Siafolau Siafolau, 22, over $170m WA coke haul
