The brother of a rising rugby league star was one of three men to be arrested in the early hours of Tuesday morning, after a police sting uncovered a $16.5million drug operation, which has been linked to members of the notorious Sydney gang, KVT.
New South Wales Police arrested 28-year-old Eparama Navale, who is the older brother of Manly Sea Eagles lock forward Caleb Navale, during a dawn raid at a property in Edmondson Park in relation to the gang’s alleged drug operation.
Police state that Navale was taken to Liverpool Police Station and was charged with 14 offences, which included five counts of supplying a commercial quantity of drugs, four counts of supplying prohibited drugs, handling explosives or precursors without a licence and knowingly dealing with the proceeds of crime.
A 28-year-old man and a 24-year-old man were also arrested in the early hours of the morning at separate locations. They were charged with similar offences.
NSW Police stated that the taskforce, who have been investigating the matter for three months, had also seized 40kg of illicit drugs worth around $12.5m, as part of their wider searches.
KVT are a Sydney street gang, whose name comes from the word ‘Kaiviti’. The phrase means ‘true Fijian’.
Eparama Navale (right) pictured with his brother, Caleb (left), was arrested in relation to the alleged supply of drugs
Police arrested three men in the early hours of Tuesday morning in relation to an operation investigating the alleged supply of drugs
NSW Police stated that the taskforce, who have been investigating the matter for three months, had also seized 40kg of illicit drugs worth around $12.5m, as part of their wider searches.
The gang has been linked to members of the Alameddine family.
Navale, also a talented rugby league player, had previously played in the NSW Cup for the Newtown Jets and the Blacktown Workers.
The 28-year-old had played for the Jets during the 2025 season, notably returning three tries across five appearances.
His last game would come in Round 16 against the North Sydney Bears.
The winger had played for the Workers during the 2024 season, with Navale making seven appearances for the club.
He would make his debut for the club alongside his brother Caleb.
Caleb has since gone on to make nine appearances for the Sea Eagles in the NRL across the past two seasons.
There is no accusation by Daily Mail that Caleb was involved in the alleged offences.
Eparama, also a talented rugby league player, had previously played in the NSW Cup for the Newtown Jets and the Blacktown Workers
Police stated that the charges related to the alleged supply of approximately 55kg of illicit drugs with an estimated street value of $16.5million
‘The serious police charges against Eparama Navale have been brought to the attention of NSWRL,’ a New South Wales Rugby League spokesperson said in a statement to News Corp.
‘The player’s NSWRL registration has expired and the NSWRL will not consider re-registering him while charges are outstanding.’
Eparama’s lawyer appeared in court on Wednesday in relation to the charges.
Prosecutors had also issued the player with a further charge for allegedly refusing to give investigators a password to his device.
He will appear before Campbelltown Local Court on January 14.
No bail application was made for Navale.
