WA: Columbian set to plead over biggest cocaine bust

AAP General News (Australia)
12-03-2001
WA: Columbian set to plead over biggest cocaine bust

A Columbian national accused of playing a part in smuggling to Australia the biggest
amount of cocaine ever seized, is set to plead in a West Australian Supreme Court tomorrow.

CARLOS SUAREZ-MEJIA is one of three Colombians and two US nationals who were charged
following the discovery in July of more than one tonne of cocaine buried on a remote WA
beach.

Police have alleged the cocaine was offloaded from a foreign vessel at Dulverton Bay,
700km north of Perth.

SUAREZ-MEJIA and US nationals JOEL PARRISH, 46, and WILLIAM ROGER REAVES, 58, have
been charged with importing the cocaine.

Two other Colombians have been charged with being knowingly concerned in a prohibited
importation.

SUAREZ-MEJIA pleaded guilty to the charge in October in a magistrate's court and will
appear in the Supreme Court tomorrow to enter a plea before sentencing.

AAP RTV lk/aa/jh

KEYWORD: COCAINE (PERTH)

2001 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.