Australian Federal Police and partner agencies have charged nine men over an alleged criminal syndicate accused of attempting to import large quantities of illicit drugs into Victoria using offshore transfer methods.
The arrests follow a 10-month investigation, known as Operation Bruce Cremorne, led by the Victorian Joint Organised Crime Taskforce, which brings together the AFP, Victoria Police, Australian Border Force and the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission.
Authorities allege the group sought to coordinate at-sea drug transfers in Bass Strait, using smaller “daughter vessels” to collect consignments from a larger “mother ship” travelling through Australian waters. While multiple attempts were allegedly made, investigators say no drugs were successfully imported through this method.
The investigation began in May 2025 after a commercial trawler sank off the coast of Port Albert, prompting the rescue of four crew members. Police later formed suspicions about the voyage, citing the vessel’s departure in poor weather and a lack of standard fishing equipment. This led to months of surveillance targeting several boat crews believed to be linked to the broader network.
Eight men were arrested across Victoria, including in Morwell, Glenroy, Cranbourne and Greenvale, while a ninth was taken into custody in Sydney. The men, aged between 31 and 72, face a range of charges including conspiracy to import illicit drugs and trafficking offences. Seven of those charged face a maximum penalty of life imprisonment if convicted.
Investigators also allege links between the syndicate and significant drug seizures interstate. These include 30 kilograms of methamphetamine seized in Perth in August 2025 and 41 kilograms of cocaine intercepted in regional Victoria days later. Police claim the group used connections within the trucking industry to move drugs between states.
An international investigation into the suspected “mother ship” and its organisers remains ongoing, with authorities indicating further arrests are possible.
AFP Detective Superintendent Ray Imbriano said the operation highlighted the role of demand in driving organised crime activity. He said criminals were targeting Australia because of the high prices paid for illicit substances, adding that drug importation fuels violence between rival groups and can endanger bystanders.
Victoria Police Detective Superintendent Dave Cowan said Australia’s appetite for drugs continued to make it an attractive market for organised crime, with harms extending beyond users to the broader community.
ABF Commander Clinton Sims said border authorities remained focused on disrupting transnational criminal networks, while ACIC National Manager Jason Halls pointed to the importance of intelligence-sharing between agencies in preventing large-scale importation attempts.
The matter is before the courts.
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