Jamil Hopoate case: Cocaine shipment linked to exiled crime boss Mark Buddle

Both police and crime sources said the talk on the streets was that the massive cocaine haul which led to Jamil Hopoate’s arrest was likely connected to Comancheros boss Mark Buddle.

The half-tonne shipment of cocaine over which former NRL player Jamil Hopoate was last week arrested is believed to have belonged to exiled Comancheros boss Mark Buddle.

Hopoate, 26, and two other people were charged on Tuesday with large commercial drug supply after the 514 kilogram importation was intercepted by authorities at Sydney Airport.

Both police and crime sources said the talk on the streets of Sydney was that the massive cocaine haul was likely connected to Buddle, who, despite living in Dubai, still remains the Comancheros national president.

“Everyone is talking that it’s Mark Buddle’s gear,” one underworld source said.

Exiled Comanchero boss Mark Buddle (pictured with his wife Mel Mel Ter Wisscha) has been linked to the 514kg coke shipment.

Sacked Broncos player Jamil Hopoate and his close friend Leanne Belinda Mafoa were both arrested over the half-tonne cocaine seizure.

Photos released by NSW Police after the cocaine bust showed each brick of the white powder had a unique stamp on top, such as TSJ, Bugatti, CK or four-leaf clovers.

Other bricks had codes written in black texta, with each marker identifying who was to receive those drugs.

“Some of those stamps are known to be linked to the Comancheros,” the underworld source said.

A number of law enforcement sources have confirmed they too believe the cocaine haul likely belonged to Buddle.

The half-tonne of cocaine — which was adorned with emblems allegedly designating which cartel the drugs were teo go to — have been linked to Mark Buddle. .

The longtime bikie came to attention last week when he was seen for the first time since leaving Australia for Dubai in 2016.

A video posted to Instagram showed Buddle involved in an altercation with a group of British tourists at a private beach bar.

Shirtless and with his tattoos on full display, Buddle can be seen in the video threatening the group of men after one of them allegedly slapped his wife Mel Ter Wisscha on the backside.

In the video, an agitated and shirtless Buddle is seen to spit at the group, point at them and then mouth the words “You’re dead’’ as they retreated with concerned staff trying to intervene in the argument.

Buddle (back right) came to attention last week when he was seen for the first time since leaving Australia for Dubai in 2016. Picture: Instagram

A video posted to Instagram showed Buddle involved in an altercation with a group of British tourists at a private beach bar. Picture: Instagram

When one of the men threw something at Buddle, spurring the tattooed bikie into further anger, things threatened to get ugly.

However those who know him back in Australia say the bikie did well to restrain himself, despite knowing all too well he would’ve had their measure.

“They are lucky, he could have cleaned them up by himself,’’ a former Sydney acquaintance of Buddle said.

Hopoate — the son of infamous ex-player John and brother of current star Will — was arrested after allegedly going to check on a truck carrying the cocaine shipment.

He allegedly entered the truck in Pagewood about 10.50am on Tuesday before leaving with a backpack filled with fake cocaine – which police had earlier swapped with the real thing.

It is alleged he walked over to good friend Leanne Mafoa, 33, who was waiting in a nearby car before police approached the pair.

Central Local Court heard Hopoate “panicked” and yelled: “Drive, drive drive!” before Ms Mafoa sped off and almost hit one of the officers, causing them to jump out of the way.

He ran and threw the bag over a fence, before he was caught shortly after by police, the court heard.

Police footage of Jamil Hopoate after his arrest. Picture: NSW Police

Hopoate is charged with supplying a large commercial quantity of cocaine and using a vehicle to avoid apprehension.

Mafoa, from Collaroy, was also charged with supplying a large commercial quantity of cocaine and also with using an offensive weapon in company to prevent detention.

Zackery Biady, who is known to have links to the dangerous Satudurah bikie gang, was also arrested over the drug bust.

NSW Police allege Biady collected the cocaine shipment at Matraville and drove it to Pagewood, where Hopoate and Mafoa were arrested.

All three were refused bail and will return to court later this month.