A Brazilian diver involved in a plot to ship millions of dollars worth of cocaine to Australia remains missing and is now believed dead two years after the fatal smuggling attempt.
Police in New South Wales on Friday released images of two vehicles they believe could be linked to the disappearance of Jhoni Fernandes Da Silva, 32, one of two Brazilian divers involved in the May 2022 plot.
The body of the other man, Bruno Borges Martins, 31, was discovered floating in Newcastle Harbor with specialist diving equipment, and 54kg of cocaine was found nearby.
The two Brazilians were smuggled into Australia from Indonesia to recover cocaine from a bulk carrier docked in the port of Newcastle.
Jhoni Fernandes Da Silva, 32 (pictured), has been missing for two years after being smuggled into Australia to recover cocaine from a ship docked in Newcastle harbour.
Police on Friday released images of vehicles that could be linked to Da Silva’s disappearance. A white Mitsubishi Fuso truck was last seen on the M4 motorway in Pennant Hills on May 8, 2022.
A Toyota Townace van was traveling with the Fuso and the police are also interested in finding it
Detectives believe Martins was working with Da Silva to recover the drugs when he died.
His older accomplice was initially thought to have escaped with millions of dollars in cocaine.
But two years after Martins’ death, police now believe it is unlikely Da Silva is alive.
Organized Crime Squad commander Peter Faux said investigators wanted closure with Da Silva’s family.
More than 50kg of cocaine was found near the body of Brazilian diver Bruno Borges Martins, 31, in Newcastle Harbor in May 2022 (pictured, police investigating bricks of cocaine).
“We believe there are people who have information that may provide closure for the family two years after her disappearance,” he said.
“I urge anyone with information to speak to us so that Mr Da Silva’s loved ones do not have to spend another year wondering what happened to him.”
Police are seeking information about two vehicles seen traveling together in Sydney’s northwest the night before Martins’ body was found.
A white Mitsubishi Fuso truck, which detectives believe could be linked to Da Silva’s disappearance, was last seen on the M4 motorway in Pennant Hills on May 8, 2022.
He was traveling in a Toyota Townace van which police are also trying to locate.
Two Australian men have been charged with cocaine plot and remain before court.
One member of the duo admitted to human smuggling, but no one has been charged with causing the deaths of any of the divers.
