Court: Mechanic Rodney James Hill’s alleged role in one tonne cocaine operation at South West Rocks, NSW

A co-accused tasked with “security” duties in an alleged $600m cocaine delivery was caught on CCTV driving the vessel before the sting at sea and later found by police in a car loaded with jerry cans full of fuel.

A co-accused tasked with “security” duties in an alleged $600m cocaine delivery was caught on CCTV driving the vessel before the sting at sea and found by police in a car loaded with jerry cans full of fuel.

Rodney James Hill, 38, fronted Coffs Harbour Local Court on Thursday to apply for bail, the day after co-accused Luke Hazell, 29, applied for and was denied bail in the same court.

Hill is one of five men charged after the dramatic arrest at the weekend, where 1100kg of cocaine with an estimated street value of $623m was seized.

On-board, police allege the cocaine uncovered was divided into 1036 blocks — some stamped with Louis Vuitton branding — and hidden throughout the vessel.

On Thursday during Hill’s matter, police alleged Hill was seen with all four co-accused in a vehicle, and also paying for fuel with cash.

Surveillance on the group commenced in late April when a 13-metre Sea Ray cruiser purchased in the Sutherland Shire caught the attention of the NSW Police Organised Crime Squad.

Police arrest five people over 1.1 tonnes of cocaine found on a boat off South West Rocks., Arrested men include Cooper Hollingworth, 24, from Cardiff and Jacob Malcolm, 26, Chaiwat Thipsing, 28, Luke Hazell, 28 and Rodney James Hill, 35, who were all charged with knowingly taking part in the large commercial supply of cocaine. Supplied by NSW Police.

Police prosecutor Jade Woolnough told the court Hill played the part of “security” in the alleged drug trafficking, and despite not being in the vicinity of the marina during arrests, he “actively took part in the planning and made arrangements for the supply”.

Police also alleged Hill was in possession of encrypted phones and a satellite phone.

Police charged all five men arrested over 1.1 tonnes of cocaine found off South West Rocks with knowingly taking part in the large commercial supply of cocaine. Supplied by NSW Police.

Hill was arrested while driving south towards Sydney at 11.15am, after the boat was raided by police as it made its way into South West Rocks at about 9.30am on May 9, the court was told.

Hill’s defence barrister argued there was “not a strong crown case” against his client and that it was based on “suspicions” and was “nonsense”.

Police on-board the Sea Ray Cruiser that allegedly contained over 1.1 tonnes of cocaine.

“Where is your evidence admissible to him?”, he asked the court.

The barrister explained Hill was a fisherman and the satellite phone was to communicate with family on their bush property at Bulahdelah.

When applying for bail, the barrister told the court Hill had parental duties and required a particular medication which would be unavailable in custody.

Magistrate Alison Viney said Hills’ children had a support network and he could receive alternative medication while in custody at the Mid-North Coast Correctional Centre in Kempsey.

Police during the operation on Friday morning at the Mid-North Coast town of South West Rocks, near Nambucca Heads. Supplied by NSW Police.

Magistrate Viney deemed the offence “serious” and denied bail.

Hill, Hazell and Chaiwat Thipsing, 28, face the same charges of supplying a prohibited drug – large commercial quantity – and participating in a criminal group, contributing to a criminal activity.

Some of the cargo aboard the boat raided off South West Rocks. Supplied by NSW Police.

Thipsing was refused bail on Saturday at Parramatta.

The remaining two men, Cooper Hollingworth, 24, from Cardiff and Jacob Malcolm, 26, from Merewether are charged with large commercial drug supply.

None of the men have been required to enter any pleas at this stage.

Police documents state the men were charged by officers working under Strike Force Blaine, which was established to investigate large scale cocaine supply.

Hill is due back in court on July 15.

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Originally published as Court: Mechanic Rodney James Hill’s alleged role in one tonne cocaine operation at South West Rocks, NSW