In a monumental operation, Australian Federal Police seized 2.3 tonnes of cocaine valued at A$760 million from a malfunctioning boat off Queensland's coast. Eleven individuals, including gang affiliates, were arrested, underscoring the ongoing battle against organized drug trafficking in Australia.
Largest Cocaine Seizure in Australian History: Authorities Capture $500 Million Shipment
Largest Cocaine Seizure in Australian History: Authorities Capture $500 Million Shipment
Australian police apprehend a record 2.3 tonnes of cocaine linked to a criminal syndicate, marking a significant victory against drug trafficking.
Australian authorities have made a historic seizure of 2.3 tonnes of cocaine, with an estimated street value of A$760 million ($490 million), from a boat off the coast of Queensland. This remarkable bust is being recognized as the largest cocaine interception in Australia’s history.
On Monday, police reported that 11 men and two juveniles were taken into custody, encompassing both crew members of the vessel and individuals awaiting the shipment onshore. Allegations have surfaced that one suspect is affiliated with the Comanchero outlaw motorcycle club, a group notorious for drug-related violence in Australia—a claim substantiated by over 1,000 recorded shootings since the 1980s.
This seizure is part of a broader investigation, known as Operation Tyrrendor, which was initiated last month. Authorities were tipped off about a criminal syndicate linked to the Comanchero gang that was gearing up to import substantial quantities of illegal substances into Australia. The recent operation followed intelligence regarding a separate incident in which the Colombian navy intercepted a semi-submersible vessel transporting cocaine to Australia.
The Australian Federal Police (AFP), alongside the Queensland Police Service (QPS) and the Australian Border Force (ABF), meticulously tracked a fishing vessel that had been recently purchased by a 35-year-old man. Authorities reported that on Saturday, this boat was meant to ferry the substantial cocaine load from a larger mothership to the Queensland shoreline when it encountered mechanical issues. Located approximately 18 kilometers from K'gari’s northeastern tip, the boat was intercepted while carrying 51 bales secured with rope netting, with each bale containing 40 kilograms of cocaine.
Arrests were made both at sea and onshore, including two men on the vessel and two more who were awaiting the cargo. Additional arrests occurred at a nearby fast-food restaurant and during a traffic stop. The last arrest took place in Brisbane following the execution of a search warrant. All suspects are now facing charges of conspiracy to import a commercial quantity of cocaine, carrying a potential life sentence as punishment, highlighting the immense risks associated with drug trafficking in Australia.
