In a landmark operation, Australian police have confiscated approximately 2.3 tonnes of cocaine from a disabled vessel off the coast of Queensland, marking one of the largest drug busts in the nation’s history.
Massive Cocaine Bust in Australia: Police Seize $500 Million in Drugs
Massive Cocaine Bust in Australia: Police Seize $500 Million in Drugs
Australian authorities make record cocaine seizure, arresting 13 individuals linked to organized crime.
Australian police have made significant strides in combatting drug trafficking, seizing 2.3 tonnes of cocaine worth an estimated street value of A$760 million ($490 million) from a vessel that broke down off Queensland's coast. The operation led to the arrest of eleven men and two juveniles, including members of the crew and individuals waiting onshore for the illicit shipment. This major confiscation has the potential to translate into 11.7 million individual street deals, positioning it as the largest cocaine bust on record in Australia.
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) reported that one of the detained individuals is suspected to be a vice-president of the Brisbane chapter of the Comanchero outlaw motorcycle gang. These gangs are well-known for their involvement in drug-related violence, with over 1,000 shootings attributed to them since the 1980s. The cocaine seizure is a significant development in Operation Tyrrendor, a larger investigation targeting the Comanchero gang that commenced last month due to intelligence suggesting plans for drug imports.
This bust follows the Colombian navy's recent interception of a semi-submersible vessel reportedly heading to Australia with cocaine. Investigators revealed that the seized drugs originated from an undisclosed South American country. The AFP collaborated with the Queensland Police Service (QPS) and the Australian Border Force (ABF) to track a fishing boat recently acquired by a 35-year-old man. During a fateful transit, the boat encountered mechanical issues about 18 km from K'gari, where law enforcement intercepted it and discovered 51 bales, each containing 40 kg of cocaine.
The wave of arrests included two men on the boat, two on shore, and several others taken into custody at a nearby fast food restaurant and during traffic stops. All individuals—eleven men and two juveniles—are charged with conspiracy to import a commercial quantity of cocaine, an offense carrying a maximum sentence of life imprisonment under Australian law.
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) reported that one of the detained individuals is suspected to be a vice-president of the Brisbane chapter of the Comanchero outlaw motorcycle gang. These gangs are well-known for their involvement in drug-related violence, with over 1,000 shootings attributed to them since the 1980s. The cocaine seizure is a significant development in Operation Tyrrendor, a larger investigation targeting the Comanchero gang that commenced last month due to intelligence suggesting plans for drug imports.
This bust follows the Colombian navy's recent interception of a semi-submersible vessel reportedly heading to Australia with cocaine. Investigators revealed that the seized drugs originated from an undisclosed South American country. The AFP collaborated with the Queensland Police Service (QPS) and the Australian Border Force (ABF) to track a fishing boat recently acquired by a 35-year-old man. During a fateful transit, the boat encountered mechanical issues about 18 km from K'gari, where law enforcement intercepted it and discovered 51 bales, each containing 40 kg of cocaine.
The wave of arrests included two men on the boat, two on shore, and several others taken into custody at a nearby fast food restaurant and during traffic stops. All individuals—eleven men and two juveniles—are charged with conspiracy to import a commercial quantity of cocaine, an offense carrying a maximum sentence of life imprisonment under Australian law.
