Authorities in Australia have made a significant drug bust near Sydney, uncovering a staggering 2.7 tonnes of cocaine valued at approximately 816 million Australian dollars, or 500 million euros, on June 22. The Australian Federal Police (AFP) reported that two men, aged 21 and 25, were arrested during the operation.
The cocaine was discovered on June 19 during a search of a rural property in Londonderry, located in western Sydney. Police found the drugs concealed in plastic containers within underground bunkers, hidden beneath a false floor inside three shipping containers.
If distributed, this cocaine could have provided around three million doses to the illicit market. The two suspects, a 21-year-old from Plumpton and a 25-year-old from Liverpool, attempted to flee the scene but were apprehended by law enforcement. They face charges related to the possession of a commercial quantity of unlawfully imported drugs and appeared in a local court on June 20, where they were remanded in custody. If convicted, they could face life imprisonment.
Investigators revealed that the cocaine was smuggled into Australia near Midge Point in North Queensland and subsequently transported to Sydney for a criminal organization based in the city. The investigation into this syndicate is ongoing.
This seizure is part of Operation Minjiang, initiated in May after Queensland police discovered 40 kilograms of cocaine in waters near a boat ramp in Midge Point while responding to a report of a burnt-out truck. The investigation led to a series of raids across northern and southeastern Queensland, including one in Sydney.
Previously, six other individuals had been arrested in connection with this case, facing various charges related to drug possession and conspiracy to possess drugs. In total, the operation has resulted in the seizure of over three tonnes of narcotics, including 178 kilograms of cocaine and 142 kilograms of methamphetamine. The vessel MV Wealth, believed to be involved in the drug importation at Midge Point, remains under arrest in the Solomon Islands.
Commander Stephen Jay of the Australian Federal Police commented on the case, stating it underscores the organized and determined nature of criminal networks and their willingness to go to great lengths for profit. He added that the investigation into the origins of the drugs is ongoing, and police will collaborate with international and national partners to identify the criminal groups involved and anyone else who facilitated this attempted importation.
A major drug operation near Sydney resulted in the seizure of 2.7 tonnes of cocaine, valued at 816 million AUD. Two suspects were arrested, facing serious charges, as authorities continue to investigate the criminal networks involved.