Superyacht tour operator James Blee charged with Bruno Borges Martins’ manslaughter

There has been a major development following the death of a diver and discovery of more than $20 million worth of cocaine.

An eccentric superyacht tour operator has been charged with the manslaughter and smuggling of a drug mule as part of an alleged more than $20m cocaine plot in NSW’s Hunter Region earlier this year.

The dead body of a diver, 31-year-old Brazilian national Bruno Borges Martins, was found floating in the water by emergency services near the Port of Newcastle back on May 9.

Despite the efforts of witnesses and paramedics, Mr Martins could not be revived.

Bruno Borges Martins, 31, was found dead near an alleged cocaine shipment. Picture: Facebook

It is alleged that he was smuggled into Australia. Picture: LinkedIn

Authorities discovered 54kg of cocaine nearby and suspected Mr Martins drowned while trying to retrieve them.

Police described the alleged drug operation as “high-end” and “sophisticated”.

Strike Force Groove was established to investigate the incident, which resulted in superyacht tour operator James “Jimmy” Blee being arrested in Cairns on May 11 as he prepared to board a one-way flight to Singapore.

Police have previously alleged that Mr Blee travelled from Indonesia to Darwin with Mr Borges and another man in the days prior to the death and discovery of the cocaine.

Police inspect a block of cocaine found near Mr Borges. Picture: NSW Police

It was further alleged that Mr Blee and Mr Borges were filmed on CCTV buying top-of-the-range diving equipment from a Newcastle diving shop.

The 62-year-old was charged over his alleged role in the importation of the cocaine and remains before the courts.

Following further inquiries, strike force detectives and Australian Border Force officers attended a Grafton correctional facility and arrested Mr Blee about 11am on Tuesday.

James Blake Blee was arrested at a North Queensland airport allegedly trying to flee the country on a flight to Singapore.

He has since been charged with manslaughter, two counts of people smuggling, and knowingly deal with proceeds of crime.

Police will allege Mr Blee engaged in unlawful activity that resulted in Mr Martins’ death

They will also allege he illegally smuggled Mr Martins and an associate from Indonesia into Australia.

Mr Blee is escorted through the Cairns domestic airport terminal by Queensland Police officers and detectives to be extradited to NSW. Picture: Brendan Radke

Mr Blee was remanded in custody and is next due to appear at Downing Centre Local Court on October 5.

Investigations under Strike Force Groove are ongoing.