Aristides Avlonitis, one of three men that police have been searching for as part of a 365kg cocaine bust investigation, was extradited to WA last week.
The 36-year-old man was located in a rural Darwin home, after a police callout to the public for information on the case.
It follows the retrieval of the illicit shipment in black plastic-wrapped packages containing 40 kg of cocaine each, which were found washed ashore off the Albany coast, WA, and in a seven-metre boat.
Police described the discovery as one of the largest cocaine busts in Western Australia in the past 20 years.
The cabin cruiser, registered under the name of one of the men, was found overturned by police seven days after the trio was rescued in the ocean, claiming they had capsized while fishing.
Avlonitis appeared in the Darwin Local Court on Thursday in person, with his family members present sitting in the public gallery.
His lawyer, Josh Begbie, did not oppose the Australian Federal Police application for his extradition to Western Australia to face a charge of importing a commercial quantity of a border controlled drug.
Footage released by police shows Avlonitis being extradited from Darwin on Friday.
Authorities are still trying to locate the other two men Karl Whitburn, 45 and Mate Stipinovich, 49, who are believed to be in WA.
“We are also appealing for anyone else to call us if they have information to help us find the men, or know anything about this drug importation,” AFP Acting Commander Graeme Marshall said in a media release.
Anyone with information about this matter is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or the AFP Investigations Team on (02) 5126 9979, or email: Op-AYR@afp.gov.au
– For free and confidential advice about alcohol and other drug treatment services call the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline on 1800 250 015.
– Access free 24/7 drug and alcohol counselling online at www.counsellingonline.org.au
– For information about drug and alcohol addiction treatment or support, go to www.turningpoint.org.au
