New Zealand Man Sentenced to 20 Years for Cocaine Smuggling Attempt
A 31-year-old New Zealand man, Tamaohungia Joseph Tepatu-Edwards, has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for his role in a failed attempt to smuggle over 800 kilograms of cocaine into Western Australia. Tepatu-Edwards was apprehended after his boat broke down while en route to collect the drugs, which had been dropped from a bulk carrier in May 2023. The Supreme Court of Western Australia deemed his actions as part of a larger drug syndicate operation.
The cocaine was concealed on the bulk carrier ST Pinot, wrapped in blue plastic and equipped with strobe lights for identification. Tepatu-Edwards was involved in coordinating the collection of these drugs, communicating with other syndicate members through encrypted messaging apps like Signal and Facebook Messenger. During the court proceedings, it was revealed that he had assisted in purchasing a boat named “No Fixed Address,” along with other equipment such as flashlights and machetes for the operation.
Justice Amanda Forrester, who presided over the case, described Tepatu-Edwards’s actions as “exceptionally serious.” He pleaded guilty to attempting to transport a controlled substance and will serve a minimum of 17 years before being eligible for parole. His sentence is backdated to May 31, 2023, and it is anticipated that he will face deportation upon his release.
Details of the Operation and Legal Proceedings
The court heard that Tepatu-Edwards was not acting alone; he was part of a broader network involved in drug trafficking. His boat experienced engine trouble near Rottnest Island, which ultimately led to his arrest. The prosecution presented evidence of his involvement in the syndicate, including messages that indicated he was integral to the planning and execution of the drug collection.
Defense attorney Dave Robinson argued that there was no justification for Tepatu-Edwards’s participation in such a serious crime. He highlighted his client’s struggles with drug use and complicated family circumstances, suggesting that these factors should be taken into account during sentencing. Robinson also expressed hope that Tepatu-Edwards’s deportation could be reconsidered, noting that he had moved to Australia as a child and had no real ties to New Zealand.
Justice Forrester acknowledged that while Tepatu-Edwards was “low in the chain” of the organized crime operation, he still made a conscious choice to engage in illegal activities. She emphasized that he was a “vital and trusted cog” in the drug syndicate, and his actions were driven by financial gain. The court concluded that Tepatu-Edwards had a clear understanding of the scale of the drugs involved, which contributed to the severity of his sentence.
