20.3 C
Byron Shire
October 20, 2026

Pair accused of 600kg cocaine dump off NSW

Latest News

Cinema: NAZA

A must-see, award-winning documentary investigating AI warfare in Gaza. Fresh from winning the Special Jury Prize at the 2026 Venice International Film Festival, NAZA, the latest documentary from Academy Award-winning filmmakers Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor (No Other Land), examines artificial intelligence and surveillance in Israel’s military operations in Gaza.

Other News

Mullumbimby Road to be temporarily closed

Byron Shire Council says Mullumbimby Road will be closed to outbound traffic for three days, except for buses and emergency vehicles, for three days from 16 to 18 November.

Cinema: NAZA

A must-see, award-winning documentary investigating AI warfare in Gaza. Fresh from winning the Special Jury Prize at the 2026 Venice International Film Festival, NAZA, the latest documentary from Academy Award-winning filmmakers Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor (No Other Land), examines artificial intelligence and surveillance in Israel’s military operations in Gaza.

Domestic violence: Lismore

I witnessed the aftermath of a serious assault on a woman in Conway Street, Lismore in broad daylight. This was...

Coorabell Hall Spring Fever

Spring Fever Fashion Parade celebrates a stream of flower-powered, funky, upcycled, reloved and new fashion for gals, guys and some kidswear along with jewellery, hats and reloved accessories twirling on the Coorabell Hall runway on Friday, 16 October at 7pm. Music from DJ MLC and co MC Dr Baz.

Mayor Sharon Cadwallader announces bid for state seat of Ballina 

Ballina Mayor Sharon Cadwallader will contest the state seat of Ballina as an independent, arguing that local ratepayers are carrying costs that should be met by the NSW government.

BSC insolvency

After numerous warnings, some more than a decade ago, why haven’t our two longest standing public servants Ndiaye and...

Packages of cocaine retrieved by the police off the coast of Byron Bay. Photo Supplied

Update:

Locals have contacted Echonetdaily stating that the police were at Brunswick Heads yesterday (Wednesday) where they confiscated a four wheel drive and boat trailer.

The Australian Federal Police (AFP) have said that law enforcement agencies will allege that the men were first observed heading towards the mainland in a small craft by ABF and Australian Defence Force (ADF) aerial surveillance assets assigned to Maritime Border Command (MBC) to patrol the ocean off the coast of northern New South Wales. MBC tasked Australian Defence Vessel (ADV) Cape Fourcroy to respond. As they were approached by ADV Cape Fourcroy, the men attempted to evade interception, jettisoning items into the sea.

The ADV Cape Fourcroy crew retrieved the items from the sea, which were identified as containing more than 600 kilograms of cocaine and initiated a pursuit of the craft supported by ADF surveillance aircraft. The small craft was later intercepted as a result of MBC surveillance support approximately 40 nautical miles east of Byron Bay, by the specialist members of the Queensland Police Service.

Original story:

AAP

The younger brother of Olympic kayaker Nathan Baggaley is accused of being one of two men who dumped about $210 million worth of cocaine during a sea chase off the northern NSW coast.

Dru Anthony Baggaley, 36, and Anthony Trevor Draper, 53, face potential life sentences if convicted after being arrested following the chase 70 kilometres off Byron Bay on Wednesday.

It’s alleged the pair threw 600 kilograms of cocaine overboard whilst being pursued by a naval vehicle and Queensland police assets.

After a short pursuit the pair were arrested and both faced Southport Magistrates Court on the Gold Coast on Wednesday charged with possessing a commercial quantity of drugs and drug importation.

Lieutenant Commander Ken Brown, who was skippering the ADV Cape Fourcroy during the chase, said his crew had retrieved 30 bags of cocaine from the sea.

‘I was directed to recover the items before resuming pursuit of the particular craft,’ Lt Cmdr Brown said.

‘My crew retrieved the items from the sea which were identified as containing 600 kilograms of cocaine.’

Police believe more arrests may follow as their investigations continue.

Australian Federal Police detective superintendent Andrew Donoghoe said the haul was a significant one.

‘These two men are facing the prospect of life in prison,’ Det Supt Donoghoe said.

‘Importantly our joint efforts have stopped more than 600kg of cocaine from ever reaching Australian shores. That represents approximately three million street hits that will never take place.’

Baggaley and Draper have both been remanded in custody and will reappear in the same court on August 20.



For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling.

If you are a local business owner help us and in turn we help you. All The Echo asks for is advertising, not a free ride. It is every advert in The Echo and on www.echo.net.au, which creates the space for all the stories and coverage of community events, happenings and concerns.

If you are a reader you can become a sponsor of The Echo. Your support keeps the us independent.

Even a small one-off or regular donation from you will help keep the echo’s independent voice alive and strong.

Support Us

Become one of the supporters who helps keep independent, local journalism alive in the Byron Shire by contributing anything from as little as the cost of a coffee each month.

You're Wonderful, Thank you for supporting independent journalism in the Byron Shire

You’re supporting The Echo, thank you

Your contribution is keeping independent, local journalism alive in the Northern Rivers.

Because of supporters like you, we can keep every story free for everyone — no paywall, no exceptions. Your money goes directly to funding our newsroom of 40-odd local workers covering the stories that matter to this community.

Tell us what you think, give us your opinion

The Echo loves your letters and comments and is proud to provide a community forum on the issues that matter most to our readers and the people of the NSW north coast. So don’t be a passive reader, email us your epistles at editor@echo.net.au.

The letters deadline for The Echo is noon Friday. Letters longer than 200 words may be cut. The publication of letters is at the discretion of the letters editor. Please remember to include your full name, address and telephone number.

Online comments are no longer available.

Interview with Genevieve Clay-Smith, director of Boss Cat showing at the Byron Bay Film Festival

When Sonja (Olivia Hargroder) loses her mother without warning, the only steady presence left in her life is her grandmother, Doris. But Doris’s idea of stability means dismantling everything Sonja has built. For Sonja, who lives with Trisomy 21 (Down syndrome) and has spent her life fighting to be underestimated by no one, Doris’ plan feels less like protection and more like erasure. Directed by Genevieve Clay-Smith, Boss Cat is a vibrant, big-hearted Australian dramedy about independence, family and self-determination, anchored by a fearless lead performance.

Something for everyone at the Picture House

From Australian superstar musos, to brand new documentaries, to comedians at the top of their game, there really is something for everyone at the Brunswick Picture House.

Thirty-six unmissable films

The 2026 Russell Hobbs British Film Festival features an unmissable line up 36 films, including five retrospectives which will screen from 28 October to 29 November at Palace Byron Bay and Ballina Cinemas.

A timeless story of self-discovery

A husband with a promotion, two adorable children and a lovely new house. Nora thought she had it all. But did she? What was the discontent that was whispering to her in the shadows?