Three men have been handed a collective prison sentence of 29 years and six months following a failed drug smuggling operation that ended with a luxury sports cruiser sinking off the coast of Western Australia.

Their elaborate scheme collapsed dramatically when the boat, carrying over 300 kilograms of cocaine, overturned in turbulent waters near Albany in February 2023.

The men, aged 38, 47, and 51, appeared in the Perth District Court, where they admitted to importing a substantial quantity of a controlled substance, resulting in their sentencing.

Initially perceived as a routine fishing mishap, their calamitous operation quickly became the focus of a police probe, revealing one of the most audacious drug trafficking endeavors in the region.

The investigation kicked off with a rescue mission. Officers from the Western Australia Police saved the men from the sea near Albany, but their explanation of a fishing excursion gone awry immediately aroused suspicion.

Subsequently, the police notified the Australian Federal Police (AFP), and the true extent of the smuggling attempt gradually came to light.

A week later, a wrapped package of cocaine washed ashore near Denmark,  about 55km west of Albany.

The seven-metre sports cruiser, named Aces and Eights, was then discovered overturned off Peaceful Bay.

AFP officers boarded the wreck and discovered a massive haul: 273 packages containing approximately 274kg of a white substance. 

Forensic testing confirmed it was cocaine with a pure weight of 229.17kg. 

Authorities believe the drugs had been collected from the ocean before the vessel was overcome by rough waters on the journey back to shore.

Following the drug confirmation, warrants were issued for the men’s arrests. The 38-year-old was quickly apprehended in Darwin. The 47-year-old was arrested in Perth’s north-eastern suburbs.

The third man, the registered owner of the sunken cruiser, evaded police for six weeks. The manhunt ended when AFP specialist officers found him hidden in a secret compartment underneath a spa at a home in Byford. 

At the time of his arrest, he had a loaded gun in a bag beside him.

The 51-year-old was sentenced to 12 years and three months’ imprisonment, the 38-year-old was given a nine-year and three-month sentence, and the 47-year-old eight years.

AFP Acting Commander Murray Taylor praised the collaborative effort that led to the convictions, acknowledging the crucial role played by people in the region.

“This investigation involved many long days and nights to obtain evidence related to this matter and bring these three men before the courts,” Acting Commander Taylor said. “The community also played a massive role, especially in WA’s Great Southern region, and the AFP cannot thank them enough for their assistance.”

He stressed the impact of the seizure. “We believe this amount of cocaine would have been distributed across Australia, not just in WA, and in turn, negatively impacted thousands of lives.”

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