Operation Collage: A Detailed Summary of Crime Interrupted Episode

Crime Interrupted by Casefile Presents delves deep into one of the Australian Federal Police's (AFP) most challenging operations—Operation Collage. This episode masterfully narrates the intricate coordination, relentless pursuit, and eventual success in intercepting a massive cocaine shipment bound for Australian shores. Below is a comprehensive summary capturing all key points, discussions, insights, and conclusions from the episode.

1. Introduction to the AFP and Operation Collage

Luke Wilson, the host, sets the stage by introducing the Australian Federal Police (AFP)—Australia’s premier national policing agency dedicated to combating serious crimes such as human trafficking, cybercrime, and drug trafficking. Highlighting their impressive track record, Luke mentions that between 2020-21, the AFP disrupted over 400 major criminal operations, seizing vast quantities of illicit drugs and charging numerous individuals involved in child exploitation and terrorism (00:02).

Operation Collage stands out as a prime example of the AFP’s prowess in inter-agency collaboration, intelligence sharing, and tactical execution to thwart significant drug importations.

2. The Genesis of Operation Collage

Operation Collage was initiated upon receiving intelligence about a substantial cocaine shipment approaching Australian waters from Ecuador—a country bordering Colombia, the world's largest cocaine producer. Luke underscores the economic implications, noting that cocaine can be produced in jungle labs at $1,500 per kilo and sold in the US for up to $50,000 per kilo (00:38).

Dave Kraft, an AFP Detective Inspector, elaborates on the environmental havoc caused by the drug trade, emphasizing the often-overlooked ecological damage resulting from cocaine production. He laments that drug users are typically unaware of the severe environmental repercussions, stating, “If no other harm you consider from it, there is a very severe environmental harm associated with this trade” (02:30).

3. Tracking the Mother and Daughter Vessels

The operation focused on intercepting a mother vessel suspected of transporting up to half a tonne of cocaine and a daughter vessel responsible for transferring the drugs. Dave recounts receiving detailed intelligence on October 7, 2010, just a day before the mother vessel’s estimated arrival near the Australian coastline (05:49).

Despite scant initial information, the AFP collaborated with the Australian Customs Service and Border Protection Service to deploy advanced maritime and aerial surveillance. The meticulous narrowing down of potential vessels from the vast Pacific Ocean to two targets showcased the AFP’s exceptional analytical capabilities (06:25).

4. Mobilizing the Nemesis: Battle at Sea

As the operation progressed, Lee Forsyth from Australian Customs took charge of the customs side. Anticipating that the daughter vessel would return to Port Macquarie to complete the drug transfer, Lee orchestrated a multi-vessel maritime presence to intercept the smugglers (09:42).

To bolster their efforts, Lee enlisted Superintendent Joe McNulty, commander of the New South Wales Police Marine Area Commander, who brought aboard the police launch Nemesis—a 32-meter patrol boat equipped with high-level thermal cameras essential for low-visibility operations (12:24).

Joe McNulty highlights the strategic assembly of a skilled crew adept at handling harsh sea conditions: “I had to select some of the best crew that were used to these harsh sea conditions” (14:28).

5. The Relentless Pursuit Amidst Adverse Weather

The Nemesis set sail amid a southern low-pressure system, facing gale-force winds up to 40 knots and seas reaching 6 meters (16:59). The crew battled severe seasickness, fatigue, and equipment failures while maintaining constant surveillance on the daughter vessel.

Despite the grueling conditions, the Nemesis crew demonstrated exceptional resilience. Sam, a crew member, reflects on the harrowing experience: “The vessel was rolling right over. She is a very substantial vessel, but the crew got absolutely smashed” (21:26). The crew’s determination was palpable as they manually steered the Nemesis to track the yacht, even as their own vessel suffered mechanical issues (22:00).

6. Turning the Tide and Securing the Seizure

After enduring days of relentless pursuit, the Nemesis finally located the daughter vessel approximately 320 nautical miles east of Brisbane. As the yacht attempted evasive maneuvers through treacherous passages near Stradbroke Island, the Nemesis maintained its grip despite additional challenges, including vessel damage and worsening weather conditions (35:29).

On the evening of October 11, the daughter ship anchored at Scarborough Marina, where law enforcement seamlessly coordinated a multi-agency surveillance strategy. At first light, two suspects disembarked with duffel bags, initiating their transfer to shore—an opportunity the AFP seized to execute simultaneous arrests (38:38).

7. Evidence Collection and Legal Implications

To secure importation charges, it was imperative to demonstrate the drugs' entry into Australia. Despite having the suspects and the yacht under surveillance, additional evidence was necessary. The AFP opted to allow the vessel to land, enabling further investigation to uncover deeper connections within the criminal network.

A pivotal moment arose when a receipt for a fruit and vegetable shop in the Sutherland Shire was discovered aboard the daughter vessel (53:00). This receipt was matched with purchases made by the suspects, providing concrete evidence of their intent to integrate the drugs into the Australian market. Detective Inspector Dave Kraft emphasizes the importance of timely evidence retrieval: “I was able to download the CCTV before it was erased” (52:17).

8. The Aftermath: Arrests and Seizures

Upon executing simultaneous arrests, approximately 45 kilograms of cocaine were recovered from the suspects’ vehicles, with an additional 350 kilograms seized from the yacht during subsequent raids (43:48).

This significant haul, valued at an estimated $240 million, marked one of the AFP’s largest drug seizures at the time. Dave Kraft underscores the operation's success: “To have found that much cocaine and to seize that safely without any other person being injured was such a successful outcome” (46:17).

9. Linking the Mother Vessel and Shore Operations

Despite initial success, the operation continued to ensure all aspects were thoroughly dismantled. The AFP followed up on the mother vessel, discovering non-illicit items discarded overboard. However, these items proved crucial in linking the mother vessel with shore-based operatives through forensic evidence, further solidifying the case against the criminal network.

Joe McNulty recounts the discovery of methamphetamine lab equipment, highlighting the multifaceted nature of the criminals’ operations: “...we could retrieve before it was lost” (55:56).

10. Conclusion: A Monumental Victory Against Organized Crime

Operation Collage culminated in the arrest of two offenders, each receiving 20-year prison sentences. The operation not only dismantled a significant drug importation network but also showcased the AFP’s strategic intelligence, inter-agency collaboration, and unwavering commitment to safeguarding Australia.

Luke concludes by reflecting on the personal toll and dedication of the law enforcement teams: “The offenders in Operation Collage were each sentenced to 20 years in prison. The street value of the cocaine was estimated to be $240 million... we had to make sure the drugs were intact, no one had died, we hadn’t lost anyone at sea” (46:43).

Key Takeaways:

• Inter-Agency Collaboration: The success of Operation Collage was a testament to seamless cooperation between the AFP, Australian Customs, and the New South Wales Police Marine Area Command.

• Resilience and Determination: Despite facing severe weather conditions and immense fatigue, the law enforcement crews exhibited remarkable resilience to achieve their mission.

• Strategic Intelligence Usage: Effective use of intelligence and forensic evidence played a pivotal role in securing convictions and dismantling the drug network.

• Environmental and Societal Impact Awareness: The operation highlighted not only the criminal aspects of drug trafficking but also its broader environmental and societal repercussions.

For more insights into how the AFP protects Australians and conducts intricate investigations like Operation Collage, visit afp.gov.au.

Notable Quotes:

• Dave Kraft [02:30]: “If no other harm you consider from it, there is a very severe environmental harm associated with this trade.”

• Sam [23:39]: “The crew on the New South Wales police vessel Nemesis were absolutely fatigued. They were at the end of their working limits.”

• Joe McNulty [53:44]: “It really became evident once we explored those linkages to that vessel.”

This summary encapsulates the relentless pursuit and strategic operations undertaken during Operation Collage, illustrating the AFP’s critical role in combating organized crime and ensuring national security.