Cocaine bricks covered in barnacles wash up on Australian beaches

Authorities in Australia have issued a warning after bricks believed to contain cocaine, wrapped in barnacles, washed up on beaches over the weekend. Police caution the public against opening any discovered packages. Seven packages, all suspected to contain cocaine, have been found on beaches between Newcastle and Sydney since Friday night, according to a statement from New South Wales Police.

A beachgoer found the initial package around 8 p.m. on Friday in the coastal suburb of Magenta, approximately 65 miles north of Sydney. “Local police attended and removed the barnacle-covered item, which was sent for further examination and testing,” authorities wrote in the release.

“Police have now been told presumptive testing indicates the package contains cocaine,” they added.

A crime scene was established, leading to a "wide-ranging search of the area" on Saturday, resulting in the discovery of three more packages.

On Sunday, authorities searched coastal stations and found "similar packages" at Manly, Avoca, and Blacksmiths beaches. All of the packages have been sent out for further examination.

The packages recovered so far “have had significant barnacle growth covering the outer plastic wrapping,” said police.

Investigators are urging anyone who may have come across similar packages to contact their local police.

They added, “Police are keen to warn the public against removing or opening any of the packages and if found to call triple zero immediately.”