Cocaine trio accused Luke Hazell, Rodney Hill, Chaiwat Thipsing out on strict bail

Three co-accused in an alleged $623m cocaine bust intercepted by police off the Mid-North Coast have been granted Supreme Court bail with strict conditions. Here’s the latest.

Three co-accused in an alleged $623m cocaine bust intercepted by police off the Mid North Coast have been granted Supreme Court bail with strict conditions.

Rodney James Hill, 35, Luke Hazell, 29 and Chaiwat Thipsing, 28 were released after successful bail reviews in the Supreme Court of NSW on Friday.

The three, facing serious drug supply charges, were part of a larger group arrested after NSW police intercepted the luxury vessel, and allegedly locating one tonne of cocaine.

Paid for in cash in Sydney, the boat had been heading up the coast when police raided the vessel at South West Rocks on the Mid-North Coast of NSW.

On Friday, Justice Richard Weinstein implemented strict bail conditions including placing them under house arrest, unless reporting to police meeting their lawyer, to attend court or obtain medical treatment.

Police intercepted a luxury vessel and seized over 1.1 tonnes of cocaine off South West Rocks on May 9. Supplied by NSW Police.

The trio were also slapped with a cash surety if they happen to skip their next court appearance. $250,000 for Thipsing, $260,000 for Rodney Hill and $40,000 for Luke Hazell.

Cooper Hollingworth was granted bail at Coffs Harbour Local Court on July 15.

Police arrested five men who were all charged with knowingly taking part in the large commercial supply of cocaine. Supplied by NSW Police.

The trio will appear in the same court on August 26 alongside Cooper Hollingworth, 24, and Jacob Malcolm, 26.

All five co-accused are charged with participating in a criminal group, contributing to criminal activity and supplying a prohibited drug greater than a large commercial quantity.

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