Australian ex-stripper Matty Thunder in Dunedin cocaine plot willing to give anything a shot

An Australian ex-stripper who came to Dunedin in a bungled attempt to retrieve $27m of cocaine has pleaded guilty.

Matthew Luke Hodder, 32, appeared before the High Court in Dunedin this morning where details of the conspiracy were made public for the first time.

On August 3 last year, the Spirit of Auckland container ship was transiting through Philadelphia when law enforcement agencies seized two large duffel bags, containing 91kg of the class-A drug, from an intake grate under the vessel.

According to court documents, it is known as “a parasite importation”.

The traffickers were unaware the cocaine had been confiscated and when the ship was docked in Melbourne four weeks later, Enter Hodder, who Australian media named as an ex-stripper and is described by his online agency as “an experienced model and male entertainer . . . willing to give anything a shot”.

The defendant also goes by the name Matty Thunder and played “DIY Dave” in advertisements for Magic Mike.

He and another man, who has denied his role and has name suppression, tested equipment and carried out reconnaissance on the Spirit of Auckland.

Equipped with sandbags, wrenches, a long metal rod and even an underwater scooter, they were prepared.

However, during a test dive they were stopped by Australian authorities and their plans were aborted.

On September 13, Hodder flew from Melbourne to Queenstown.

He and his alleged co-defendant sat separately during the flight and hired a car which they drove to Dunedin.

After renting a motel, Hodder visited dive stores and spent significant cash on equipment he needed to carry out the task.

Court documents noted he was unaware what exactly he was supposed to be taking off the ship but he knew it was illegal and of significant value.

“Mr Hodder was persistent throughout the sale exchange and offered cash at one point to help facilitate hiring the air tanks with more ease,” a summary of facts said.

Court documents noted he was unaware what exactly he was supposed to be taking off the ship but he knew it was illegal and of significant value.

On September 16, the men drove to Port Chalmers to scope out the shipping berth but while they strayed from their vehicle, police installed listening devices to capture their conversations.

The next day the men returned to claim the $27m cache.

An intercepted conversation during the drive proved revealing.

When the co-defendant commented on the cost of fuel, Hodder told him: “It’s alright mate, after tonight you’re not gonna have to worry about the petrol prices. You can buy a petrol station. Put whatever prices you want”.

Hodder changed into his diving gear and hid under a dock in Port Otago’s restricted area, the court heard.

As the Spirit of Auckland entered the shipping channel, the co-defendant drove alongside it, communicating its position by radio to the diver.

As Hodder performed numerous dives on the starboard side of the vessel he remained in radio contact with his associate.

Police tracked their every movement.

When Hodder was unable to locate the bags, he came to shore and there were hurried conversations with people overseas involved in the plot.

They were sent a video of where the drugs were stashed, prompting a discussion about a second dive, but because of a lack of air in the tanks, they ultimately decided to return to the city for breakfast.

When they parked their vehicle, police swooped, seizing four cell phones, a laptop and cash in three denominations during the arrest.

Hodder pleaded guilty to attempting to take possession of cocaine for the purpose of supply, a charge which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years’ imprisonment.

Justice Jonathan Eaton delayed entering a conviction so the defendant could complete the Drug Treatment Programme while in prison.

Hodder will be sentenced in February.