Huge drug haul found on WA island after yacht hits reef
About one tonne of illicit drugs has been found on a West Australian island after a yacht ran aground on a reef, with two foreign nationals charged over the massive seizure.
Members of the public on Monday told police about the stricken vessel named "Zero" near Stick Island, which is part of the Houtman Abrolhos archipelago west of Geraldton, and the unusual movements of its crew.
About one tonne of illicit drugs has been found on a West Australian island after a yacht ran aground on a reef. 9News
Police said they found French man Antoine Robert Dicenta, 51, and British man Graham Kurt Palmer, 34, about seven kilometres away on Burton Island on Tuesday.
They had allegedly travelled there using an inflatable dinghy, powered by an outboard motor, and had paddles.
About 40 seaweed-covered bags containing up to one tonne of suspected illicit drugs was found on the island, with preliminary tests indicating they included cocaine and ecstasy.
Tests indicate the bags contain cocaine and ecstasy. Supplied
The men allegedly sailed across the Indian Ocean. 9News
The pair faced Geraldton Magistrates Court today and were remanded in custody to appear again later this month.
WA Police Commissioner Chris Dawson said the men allegedly sailed across the Indian Ocean, but work continued with international authorities to confirm where they came from.
"The fishing community of Geraldton played a significant role in this detection and seizure and maintained regular contact with police as this matter unfolded," Mr Dawson said.
"These people have helped protect Western Australia's borders on this occasion and we are grateful for their efforts."
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