Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 3) — Four Filipino seafarers are facing charges after Australian authorities seized 416 kilograms of cocaine traced back to their ship. The alleged cocaine importation is the largest ever detected in South Australia, the Australian government said.
The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs on Monday confirmed the arrest. The DFA also said the Philippine Consulate General is in close coordination with Australian authorities regarding the case.
The seafarers were from Cyprus-flagged Safe Bulkers vessel Kypros Bravery. The Australian Border Force (ABF) said officers first searched the bulk carrier merchant vessel in Port Adelaide on March 17 and found evidence that it may have been involved in a drop off of drugs at sea.
“After working tirelessly for four days, ABF officers found about 400kg of cocaine a substantial distance off the coast and towed the drugs to shore,” said ABF Acting Chief Superintendent Alex Kelsall. “We’re proud to say this represents the largest border-controlled drug detection in South Australia’s history.”
“The four men, aged between 29 and 44, have been charged with importation of a commercial quantity of border-controlled drugs namely cocaine, contrary to section 307 (1) of the Criminal Code 1995,” said the Australian Federal Police, Australian Border Force, Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission, South Australia Police and the Department of Home Affairs in a joint statement dated March 31.
If convicted, the Filipino seafarers could face a maximum penalty of life imprisonment, the Australian authorities added.
The DFA said the seafarers were provided with public defenders when they appeared at Port Adelaide Magistrates Court on April 1. It has also assured that assistance will be given to the seafarers to protect their rights and ensure a fair trial.
The situation is being closely monitored through the Philippine Consulate General in Melbourne and the Philippine Embassy in Canberra, Australia.
“All four are in good health and are being treated well by Australian authorities. They also requested that their families be informed of what happened,” the DFA said.
“The Philippine Overseas Labor Office in Canberra has also been in touch with the shipping/manning agency of the cargo vessel,” it added.
