A body believed to be related to the case of missing Sydney university student Jamie Gao has been found floating off Cronulla’s Shelly Beach, police have confirmed.

The body was pulled from the water around 9am after it was spotted floating wrapped in blue tarpaulin.

Former Kings Cross detective Glen McNamara has been charged with the murder of Gao, who disappeared last Tuesday.

Police also want to speak to disgraced detective Roger Rogerson over the disappearance. Rogerson is reportedly in Queensland.

Glen McNamara, 55, who was stationed at Kings Cross during the late 80s, was charged with the murder early Monday morning, according to reports in the Sydney Morning Herald.

Rogerson, an associate of Mr McNarama, is being sought by police for questioning in relation to the missing 20-year-old.

Mr Gao was last seen getting into a white car on Arab Road in Padstow in Sydney’s south-west last Tuesday afternoon.

Witnesses told detectives the Hurstville student had been talking to two men, who have been described as being of Asian appearance.

Police believe Mr Gao may have met with foul play after getting into the vehicle.

“We believe there was a drug transaction. Mr Gao had drugs with him when he went to the other car,” police said today.

His own car was later found abandoned with his wallet, keys and phone nearby.

A 55-year-old Cronulla man was stopped by police just after 6:30pm (AEST) during a vehicle stop in Kyeemagh.

He was taken to Kogarah police station and is assisting police with their enquiries.

Police have yet to charge the man.

Earlier, officers searched a property in Cronulla and a property in Padstow as part of the investigation.

Police say they have been told Mr Gao was excited about the arranged meeting and his disappearance and lack of contact are out of character.

Mr Gao has been described as about 170-175 centimetres tall, with black hair and brown eyes.

Anyone with information on the disappearance is encouraged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

– with ABC