Australia's frontline border law enforcement agency has denied claims that the death of a scuba diver during a suspected cocaine operation in Newcastle has exposed gaps in port security due to workforce cuts.
Authorities were called to Kooragang Island on Monday morning when port officials found a diver unconscious at the water's edge, but efforts to revive the foreign national failed.
The dead diver was found next to a 50-kilogram bag of cocaine, with a street value estimated at about $20 million.
As more cocaine bundles were found, further crime scenes were set up.
Federal Labor member for Newcastle, Sharon Claydon, said the drug importation had highlighted shortfalls in port security by the Australian Border Force (ABF).
She said ABF officer numbers in the city have near-halved in recent times, a claim the enforcement agency strongly denies.
"We have a border force office in Newcastle, as we should with the largest port on the eastern seaboard.
"The Morrison government despite its strong borders rhetoric has overseen a decline in border force capability in a couple of area."
An ABF spokesperson has refuted the claims made by Ms Claydon, saying the number of officers in the Newcastle branch has increased over the past year.
"The ABF Newcastle District Office is fully resourced and entirely capable of meeting the region's operational requirements," the spokesperson said.
"In fact, the number of dedicated officers in Newcastle has increased over the past 12 months."
Police allege the drugs had been attached to the hull of the ship Areti. Gr, docked in Newcastle. Police told the ABC the shipment could have totalled 300kg.
The vessel has since been released by authorities, and has begun unloading its cargo of soybeans.
Coke seizure won't dent supply
John Coyne, head of the strategic policing and law enforcement program at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute said the seized amount was significant.
"I think for the people in Newcastle most people would be really shocked to think Newcastle is a transhipment point for cocaine coming into the country," he said.
But he doubted the seizure would dent supply.
"Secondly, whilst some people might be arrested we will see a continued importation of cocaine into the country because transnational, serious organised crime groups — cartels — are incredibly resilient to law enforcement interventions.
"The message is the cocaine that you think is harmless has a long tail that reaches halfway across the world into central and south America and has more than likely crossed paths with organised crime cartels."
Port security questioned
Ms Claydon said she was sceptical about the ABF's ability to stop further shipments.
"They've had one of their legs cut off and they're expected to make sure that the largest port on the eastern seaboard is safe and secure," she said.
"It's surprising that CCTV footage isn't readily available for our border force, and again just another oversight."
The ABF confirm that in this case, in addition to the 24-hour enforcement activities that it undertakes, the agency also provided assistance to NSW Police with officers, detector dogs and marine assets during the search of the boat and its crew.
"The ABF's district offices and regional ports are important elements of our capability and presence across Australia's vast coastline," the spokesperson said.
"We also have the ability to surge using sophisticated marine and air assets anywhere in the country at short notice to respond to operational requirements.
"The ABF assesses vessels, travellers and cargo that cross the Australian border based on sound intelligence. This allows officers more time to undertake the range of duties under their remit."
Prime Minister Scott Morrison, who was campaigning in the seat of Shortland south of Newcastle this morning, did not comment on the drug seizure.
The Areti. Gr, which arrived from Argentina, is registered in the Marshall Islands — located between Australia and Hawaii — and is expected to return to Argentina next week.
