Police Renew Calls for Information to Locate Missing Diver Two Years After Fatal Newcastle Drug Bust,

Two years have passed since the death of 31-year-old Brazilian diver, Bruno Borges Martins, in the Port of Newcastle. Detectives from the State Crime Command’s Organised Crime Squad are still appealing for information to locate his diving partner, 32-year-old Jhoni Fernandes Da Silva.

On May 9, 2022, emergency services were called to the Port of Newcastle, where they found Martins unresponsive in the water near 54kg of cocaine. Despite the resuscitation efforts of witnesses and paramedics, Martins tragically passed away. The investigation that followed, titled Strike Force Groove, has so far led to charges against two men. However, Da Silva remains missing, prompting renewed calls for public assistance.

Prior to Martins’ death, both divers had been observed with a white Mitsubishi Fuso truck (NSW registration DA81PP) and a Toyota Townace Van (NSW registration WNY439) near the port. The truck, last seen heading southbound on the M4 Motorway in Pennant Hills around 6:30 PM on May 8, 2022, might hold valuable clues to Da Silva’s whereabouts.

Detective Superintendent Peter Faux, Commander of the Organised Crime Squad, emphasized the human side of the investigation. “It is about closure for the family and community who have had to live with not knowing for these last two years. We believe that there are people out there who have information that can provide closure for the family who wonder where their loved one has gone. I urge anyone who has information to speak to us so that Mr Da Silva’s loved ones don’t have to spend another year wondering what happened to him.”

If you have any information that might assist investigators, please contact Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information will be treated in strict confidence, and the public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.

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