by Joshua Hanrahan
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Subscriber only Ousted NRL star Jamil Hopoate had allegedly just checked on $155 million shipment of cocaine from which he was set to get a cut when he was arrested by police. Hopoate, 26, was on Tuesday charged over his alleged role in the large commercial import of cocaine, but not before leading police on a wild foot pursuit through Sydney s southeast. The former Manly and Brisbane Broncos player will now face Central Local Court on Wednesday. NSW Police allege Hopoate, the son of controversial fellow footballer John and brother of current star Will, was among three people allegedly involved in the 514kg cocaine import.
20:20 EDT, 18 May 2021
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Detectives have charged three people as part of ongoing investigations into the alleged importation of a half a tonne of cocaine with a street value of nearly $155 million.
Acting on intelligence information, officers from Australian Border Force intercepted a shipment of toolboxes which arrived in Sydney from the United Kingdom at 7pm on May 15.
It was found to contain 514kg of cocaine hidden in the steel boxes, which has an estimated potential street value of $154million.
Following extensive investigations, detectives stopped a van on Banksia Street, Botany, about 10.50am on Tuesday.
Acting on intelligence information, officers from Australian Border Force intercepted a shipment of toolboxes which arrived in Sydney from the United Kingdom (stock image)
20:03 EDT, 18 May 2021
Troubled former NRL player Jamil Hopoate has been charged with supplying half a tonne of cocaine with an estimated street value of nearly $155 million.
Hopoate, 26, is accused of being part of a trio now charged over the massive haul of cocaine from the UK.
Hopoate, the son of former Manly winger John Hopoate, was a talented junior, who was sacked by Parramatta and Manly before he could make his NRL debut for off-field issues.
Police say Australian Border Force officers found 514kg of cocaine hidden in a consignment of toolboxes which arrived in Sydney on Saturday.
Troubled former NRL player Jamil Hopoate (left at a court appearance in 2014) has been charged with supplying half a tonne of cocaine with an estimated street value of nearly $155 million
Crime by Josh Hanrahan
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Subscriber only Recently sacked NRL star Jamil Hopoate has been charged over a large scale cocaine importation, after allegedly leading policeon a daring daylight pursuit. Police will allege the son of notorious former Manly player John Hopoate, and the brother of Bulldogs star Will Hopoate wasallegedly seen accessing a truck linked to a haul of cocaine at Port Botany about 10.30am on Tuesday morning. Moments later it is alleged the 26-year-old and a woman got into a car and left the area. When NSW Police, who had been surveilling the truck, attempted to intercept the pair Hopoate allegedly took off, leading officers on a pursuit through the streets of Botany.
21:04 EDT, 18 May 2021
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NRL player Jamil Hopoate faces a lengthy stint in jail if found guilty over his alleged involvement in a large drug importation ring in Sydney.
The off-contract star spent Tuesday night behind bars after he was arrested and charged with supply large commercial quantity of cocaine and using a vehicle to avoid apprehension.
Hopoate, 26, is accused of being part of a trio now charged over the massive haul of cocaine from the UK.
The son of notorious NRL bad boy John Hopoate and brother of Canterbury Bulldogs player Will was arrested on Tuesday morning after a foot pursuit through the streets in Sydney s south which sparked numerous calls to Triple-0.