Major Drug Operation Uncovered in Sydney
Australian police have dismantled a significant drug operation worth an estimated $16.5 million, resulting in the arrest of three men including the brother of a rising rugby league star. The early morning raids on Tuesday targeted properties across Sydney, uncovering what authorities describe as a sophisticated drug supply network.
Dawn Raids and Arrests
Eparama Navale, aged 28 and older brother of Manly Sea Eagles lock forward Caleb Navale, was taken into custody during a dawn raid at a property in Edmondson Park. The arrest forms part of a three-month investigation by New South Wales Police into the activities of the notorious KVT gang.
Two other men, aged 28 and 24, were arrested simultaneously at separate locations across the city. All three face serious charges related to drug supply and handling criminal proceeds.
Police confirmed that Navale has been charged with 14 separate offences, including five counts of supplying commercial quantities of drugs, four counts of supplying prohibited drugs, handling explosives or precursors without a licence, and knowingly dealing with the proceeds of crime.
Substantial Drug Seizures
As part of their wider investigation, police seized 40kg of illicit drugs with an estimated street value of $12.5 million. The total operation is believed to involve approximately 55kg of prohibited substances.
The KVT gang, whose name derives from the Fijian word 'Kaiviti' meaning 'true Fijian', has been linked to members of the Alameddine crime family according to police intelligence.
Rugby Connections and Consequences
Eparama Navale is no stranger to rugby league himself, having previously played in the NSW Cup for both the Newtown Jets and Blacktown Workers. His most recent appearances were during the 2025 season with the Jets, where he scored three tries across five matches before his final game in Round 16 against the North Sydney Bears.
The 28-year-old winger had made his debut alongside his younger brother Caleb during the 2024 season with Blacktown Workers. Caleb has since progressed to make nine NRL appearances for the Sea Eagles over the past two seasons.
New South Wales Rugby League has confirmed that Eparama's registration has expired and will not be reconsidered while charges remain outstanding. A spokesperson stated: "The serious police charges against Eparama Navale have been brought to the attention of NSWRL. The player's NSWRL registration has expired and the NSWRL will not consider re-registering him while charges are outstanding."
Following a court appearance on Wednesday, Navale faces an additional charge for allegedly refusing to provide investigators with his device password. He remains in custody and is scheduled to appear before Campbelltown Local Court on January 14, with no bail application having been made.
Authorities have emphasised that there is no suggestion Caleb Navale was involved in or had any knowledge of the alleged criminal activities.
