A NSW man sailing on a catamaran was allegedly caught trying to smuggle 200kg of cocaine into Australia.

The man from Tweed Heads, aged 41, was allegedly caught with the drug on his boat in the waters near the NSW and Queensland boarder on Thursday last week.

He fronted NSW Bail Division Court on Friday on one count of importing a commercial quantity of a border-controlled drug, which carries a maximum penalty of life behind bars.

The man was refused bail and will return to court on June 12.

Australian Federal Police uncovered the alleged smuggling boat while investigating an international plot by a syndicate with links to outlaw motorcycle gangs.

It’s alleged the catamaran collected the 200kg of cocaine at sea and was going to split it between to multiple local boats that would then bring the drug ashore. 

NSWPF Marine Area Command operatives from Tweed Heads intercepted the boat in the Tweed River and towed it to a secure location, where it was searched and examined by specialist forensic officers.

Officers allegedly uncovered the cocaine, hidden inside black duffel bags, as well as $100,000 in cash.

A 41-year-old (above) from Tweed Heads was arrested after allegedly attempting to smuggle 200kg of cocaine into Australia by catamaran

Officers allegedly found the cocaine and $100,000 in cash hidden in black duffel bags (above)

The investigation to find the vessel and crew that allegedly handed the cocaine to the catamaran is ongoing. 

AFP Detective Inspector Steven Wiggins said the successful alleged bust was just an example of the work Australian police agencies can do.

‘Transnational criminal syndicates have reaped huge profits by feeding Australia’s demand for illicit drugs however the AFP and our partners are always watching and remain one step ahead,’ he said.

‘Organised crime groups are driven only by greed and have no regard for the harm they reap on individuals, families and the wider Australian community.

‘The AFP’s strong relationships with domestic and international partners ensure that we continue to deliver maximum impact on transnational criminal syndicates targeting Australia.’

Australian Border Force Superintendent Jim Ley said Australians could be confident their border and law enforcement agencies were working together to protect the community.

‘This amount of cocaine would have meant more addiction, more crime, and more violence in our communities. Because of this operation, that harm was stopped,’ Supt Ley said.

‘Our message to organised crime is clear: we are watching, we are working together, and we will stop anyone who tries to bring illicit drugs into Australia.’

It’s alleged the catamaran (above) collected the cocaine from another vessel further at sea

AFP alleged the catamaran was going to hand the cocaine (above) to local vessels to bring ashore

Queensland Police and NSW Police both also applauded officers who assisted in the investigation. 

Anyone with information which may assist investigators is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Information about suspicious activity which may impact the security of Australia’s borders should contact Border Watch.