Organised Crime Squad detectives have excavated a buried truck as an investigation into the death of a Brazilian diver in Newcastle continues.
About 9.30am on Monday 9 May 2022, emergency services were called to the Port of Newcastle after a male diver was located unresponsive in the water, with 54kg of cocaine located nearby.
Despite the efforts of witnesses and paramedics, the man could not be revived.
He was later formally identified as 31-year-old Brazilian national, Bruno Borges Martins.
The location of an alleged second diver – 32-year-old Jhoni Fernandes Da Silva – remains unknown.
Local police commenced inquiries, before the matter was taken carriage of by State Crime Command's Organised Crime Squad under Strike Force Groove.
During the course of investigation, detectives were assisted by the Australian Federal Police (AFP), Australian Border Force (ABF), Northern Territory Police (NTPOL) and Queensland Police Service (QPS).
To date, two men have been charged and remain before the courts.
Following further inquiries – including a public appeal for information on the two-year anniversary of the discovery – on Tuesday 28 May 2024, strike force detectives executed a search warrant at a property in Menangle.
During the search, police located a white Mitsubishi Fuso truck which they will allege was used by those involved with the failed drug rip.
The truck was last seen travelling southbound on the M4 Motorway at Pennant Hills, about 6.30pm Sunday 8 May 2022.
Detectives are continuing to appeal for any information about a Toyota Townace Van with the NSW registration WNY439, which was seen travelling with the truck.
Investigations under Strike Force Groove are continuing.
Anyone with information that may assist investigators is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.
