Three men connected to a large-scale cocaine smuggling operation received significant prison time after their unsuccessful efforts to sneak illegal drugs into the United States fell flat. Mate Stipinovich, Karl Whitburn, and Aristides Avlonitis were apprehended after their boat, Aces and Eights, sank in rough seas off Albany, resulting in an arduous rescue that left them clinging to a blue esky for hours. The incident, which developed in 2023 and has attracted the attention of law enforcement, the judicial system, and social media, continues to receive widespread attention.
The trio had been charged with possession with intent to distribute over five kilos of cocaine. Now, they face a sentencing that fits the gravity of their malfeasance. Stipinovich was sentenced to 12 years and three months. In a parallel case, at the same time, Whitburn was sentenced to eight years, with a non-parole period of five years. Avlonitis was sentenced to 9 years and 3 months. He has to serve at least six years before he comes up for parole consideration. Judge Nicholas Egan characterized the defendants as “Keystone Kops criminals.” He noted that they exhibited a shocking lack of foresight and planning in the execution of the smuggling operation.
The Smuggling Operation
Stipinovich, Whitburn, and Avlonitis started the cocaine importation conspiracy. They took nine huge bales of Colombian cocaine off of a bulk carrier. She and her husband, Gus, planned to deliver these packs by boat from Fishtail’s and Gus’ boat, Aces and Eights. The entire operation was thrown into disarray after the vessel ran into turbulent seas, causing it to possibly capsize.
The boat was eventually found with 270 packages of white powder, totaling 229 kilograms. This major amount set off every alarm bell possible through local law enforcement to show how serious this smuggling attempt was. The men asserted that they were essentially unaware of the size of the alleged operation. Stipinovich testified that he had been promised $100,000 for his work, though he had “little or no idea” of the amounts in mind.
The Rescue and Sentencing
The breathtaking rescue followed the storm, which caused the boat to capsize. Stipinovich, Whitburn, and Avlonitis were discovered hanging onto an esky in the ocean. Their ability to survive unexplained in such perilous conditions served to illuminate both their desperation and the inherent, often fatal dangers associated with the drug trade. Those that were rescued ended up facing immediate charges of possession of drugs.
In court, Judge Egan was harshly critical when he got the chance. He portrayed the men as stupid and short-sighted, which led directly to their destruction. At the sentencing stage, Stipinovich’s military history came under fierce attack. He used $72,000 to purchase the boat without checking to see if it would work for their operation. This lack of foresight was sadly fatal as it was a large factor in their demise.
Personal Circumstances
Mate Stipinovich’s personal circumstances created an emotional tableau at sentencing. He’s just been told that he’d been had a heart condition that at most, would give him only five more years of life. Even with all his health challenges, he decided to continue to pursue this very risky endeavor, letting greed take the wheel over his better judgment.
The sentences they pleaded to reflect the severity of their actions. They’ll mostly determine the quality of their lives in the future. She nonetheless will not be eligible for parole until October 2031. Avlonitis must serve at least six years in prison before he is eligible to apply for release. Whitburn’s five year non-parole period means that he, too, will serve the next several years completely behind bars.
