Police warning people not to touch barnacle-encrusted packages (pictured) but call Triple Zero (000) after seven have been washed up on beaches at Magenta, Blacksmiths, Avoca, and Manly since late Friday. Presumptive tests indicate the packages contain cocaine. More details,… pic.twitter.com/TzNUOrlR1s
— NSW Police Force (@nswpolice) December 24, 2023
Australian beaches received an early Christmas gift this year…in the form of a bunch of cocaine. At least seven packages full of the narcotic have been found on New South Wales beaches since Friday night, prompting a widespread search and warnings from authorities to not open any more packages that may wash up.
The first package was found at Magenta about 8 p.m. on Friday, by a member of the public who called officers from Tuggerah Lakes Police District, according to the NSW Police Force. The item was sent in for further testing and confirmed to be cocaine, which then prompted a wider search of the area on Saturday. Three more packages were found, all of which “had significant barnacle growth covering the outer plastic wrapping.” Similar packages were also located at Manly, Avoca, and Blacksmiths beaches.
The hunt for barnacle-encrusted cocaine isn’t over yet, either. Police added that “Officers are also working closely with Surf Life Saving NSW as beaches continue to be searched.” Furthermore, they urged citizens to not remove or open any the packages, if found, but rather to call Triple Zero immediately, the national emergency number in Australia.
