Organised Crime Squad detectives searched a Lurnea property last week as an investigation into the death of a Brazilian diver in Newcastle continues.
About 9.30am on Monday 9 May 2022, emergency services were called to the Port of Newcastle after a male diver was located unresponsive in the water, with 54kg of cocaine located nearby.
Despite the efforts of witnesses and paramedics, the man could not be revived.
He was later formally identified as 31-year-old Brazilian national, Bruno Borges Martins.
The location of an alleged second diver – 32-year-old Jhoni Fernandes Da Silva – remains unknown.
Local police commenced inquiries, before the matter was taken carriage of by State Crime Command’s Organised Crime Squad under Strike Force Groove.
During the course of investigation, detectives were assisted by the Australian Federal Police (AFP), Australian Border Force (ABF), Northern Territory Police (NTPOL) and Queensland Police Service (QPS).
To date, two men have been charged and remain before the courts.
As part of ongoing investigations, detectives identified Jhoni Fernandes Da Silva is believed to have stayed for one or two months in a granny flat at the rear of a home on Jedda Road, Lurnea.
Investigators subsequently executed a crime scene warrant at the premises about 5.45pm on Wednesday (19 June 2024).
Specialist officers forensically examined the residence including luminol, fingerprints and DNA.
Investigations under Strike Force Groove are continuing.
Anyone with information that may assist investigators is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.
