Record Cocaine Bust Nets 2.3 Tonnes, 13 Arrests in Australia
Australian authorities have announced the largest-ever cocaine seizure in the country’s history, resulting in the arrests of 13 individuals, Al Jazeera reports.
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) revealed on Monday that 11 men and two juveniles were apprehended following a months-long investigation into a suspected drug smuggling operation by a motorcycle gang.
The operation culminated in the interception of a fishing boat approximately 18 kilometers off the Queensland coast. The boat, which had allegedly rendezvoused with a larger “mother ship” laden with cocaine, experienced mechanical failure, providing authorities with the opportunity to move in.
Police seized a staggering 2.3 tonnes of cocaine, with an estimated street value of AU$760 million (about US$494 million). This represents a significant blow to organised crime in Australia.
AFP Commander Stephen Jay stated that the investigation was launched following an intelligence tip-off concerning the motorcycle gang’s planned drug smuggling operation. All 13 suspects have been charged with conspiracy to import a commercial quantity of border-controlled drugs and are expected to appear in court on Monday. They face a potential life sentence if convicted.
This record seizure underscores the ongoing battle against drug trafficking in Australia. The AFP reported seizing a total of 31.3 tonnes of illicit drugs domestically during the 2023-24 period, and further assisted international partners in the seizure of an additional 41.8 tonnes.
