Major Cocaine Seizure in Sydney
Australian Federal Police (AFP) arrested and charged two men following the discovery of 2.7 tonnes of cocaine concealed in underground bunkers beneath shipping containers on a semi-rural property. This operation marks what authorities describe as Australia's largest ever cocaine seizure.
The two men, aged 21 and 25, allegedly attempted to flee upon police arrival but were apprehended on Friday during a coordinated operation involving the AFP and investigators from multiple states.
Details of the Raid
The AFP conducted a raid on a property in Londonderry, located in north-west Sydney, as part of an ongoing taskforce investigating a drug trafficking ring operating along Australia's east coast.
During the search, officers uncovered 2.7 tonnes of cocaine stored in plastic tubs hidden beneath shipping containers. These tubs were buried inside underground bunkers, which were concealed by false flooring installed within the containers.
The estimated street value of the seized cocaine is approximately $816 million, which police estimate to be equivalent to around three million street-level deals.
Both suspects were charged with possessing a commercial quantity of an illegal drug, an offence carrying a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. They were denied bail on Saturday and are scheduled to appear at Penrith Local Court on 13 August.
Official Statements
“This alleged plot to distribute nearly three tonnes of cocaine … demonstrates how highly organised and determined these criminal networks are,” AFP Commander Stephen Jay said.
“We will work … to identify the criminal syndicates and anyone else involved in facilitating this alleged attempted drug import.”
Operation Minjiang and Related Seizures
The significant Sydney discovery is the most notable seizure under Operation Minjiang, a joint taskforce headquartered in Sydney. Since its inception in May, the operation has confiscated 178 kilograms of cocaine and 142 kilograms of methamphetamine, bringing the total amount of drugs seized to over three tonnes.
Police allege that the cocaine seized on Friday was imported near Midge Point in north Queensland and transported south under the direction of a Sydney-based organised crime group.
In May, Queensland police found 40 kilograms of cocaine in the water near the Midge Point boat ramp after reports of a burned-out flatbed truck. Following this, six individuals were charged with various offences, including possession of illicit drugs and dealing with proceeds of crime.
The alleged "mother vessel" used to import the drugs, the MV Wealth, is currently detained by authorities in the Solomon Islands for further investigation, according to the AFP.
Comments from Queensland Police
Queensland Police Acting Chief Superintendent Troy Pukallus said, “I am proud of my officers’ tenacity in disrupting a massive organised crime syndicate.”
“What began with the actions of Mackay police … evolved into a sophisticated, multi-agency investigation targeting an organised criminal network,” he added.
