Australian Federal Police (AFP) have reported a major drug bust involving a staggering 2.3 tonnes of cocaine discovered from a vessel that broke down near the coast of Queensland. On Monday, officials revealed that this seizure, which has an estimated street value of A$760 million (approximately $490 million or £388 million), marks the largest cocaine bust in the nation’s history. During this operation, authorities arrested 11 individuals, including crew members of the boat and those awaiting the drugs onshore. Notably, one of the arrested men is alleged to be the vice-president of the Brisbane chapter of the notorious Comanchero outlaw motorcycle club, known for its violent connections to the drug trade in Australia.
Australia's Largest Cocaine Bust: $500 Million Seized After Boat Breakdown
Australia's Largest Cocaine Bust: $500 Million Seized After Boat Breakdown
In a historic operation, Australian authorities confiscated 2.3 tonnes of cocaine valued at A$760 million, following a mechanical failure of a drug-laden vessel off Queensland's coast.
The cocaine shipment was part of a broader investigation targeting the Comanchero gang, under the operation named Tyrrendor, initiated in light of intelligence about a planned drug importation by a criminal syndicate linked to the gang. This arrest follows recent reports of Colombian naval forces intercepting a semi-submersible vessel carrying drugs destined for Australia. Officials have disclosed that the colossal drug cargo originated from an unnamed South American country.
The AFP, in collaboration with the Queensland Police Service (QPS) and the Australian Border Force (ABF), tracked a recently purchased fishing boat when it suffered a mechanical failure approximately 18 kilometers from K'gari. Upon inspection, authorities discovered 51 bales bound together, each containing 40kg of cocaine—resulting in a total weight of 2.34 tonnes. The operation led to multiple arrests, including two individuals aboard the boat, two waiting at the shore, and others apprehended at a nearby restaurant and traffic stop. All arrested are charged with conspiracy to import a significant amount of cocaine, a charge that carries the possibility of life imprisonment, highlighting the serious nature of the allegations and the risks associated with Australia's ongoing drug trade.
The AFP, in collaboration with the Queensland Police Service (QPS) and the Australian Border Force (ABF), tracked a recently purchased fishing boat when it suffered a mechanical failure approximately 18 kilometers from K'gari. Upon inspection, authorities discovered 51 bales bound together, each containing 40kg of cocaine—resulting in a total weight of 2.34 tonnes. The operation led to multiple arrests, including two individuals aboard the boat, two waiting at the shore, and others apprehended at a nearby restaurant and traffic stop. All arrested are charged with conspiracy to import a significant amount of cocaine, a charge that carries the possibility of life imprisonment, highlighting the serious nature of the allegations and the risks associated with Australia's ongoing drug trade.
