Australia’s Largest Cocaine Bust: 13 Arrested in Major Police Operation

Australia's Largest Cocaine Bust: 13 Arrested in Major Police Operation

Australian authorities have made history with the country’s largest-ever cocaine bust, arresting 13 individuals in a major operation led by the Australian Federal Police (AFP). Among those charged were 11 men and two juveniles, all allegedly involved in a bold attempt to smuggle drugs off the coast of Queensland. Commander Stephen Jay of the AFP highlighted the extreme lengths criminals go to, stating, “We know that criminals go to extreme lengths, and often risk their own lives, to smuggle drugs into Australia with no regard to the harm they cause to Australian communities” (WRAL).

He also noted, “Australia is a very attractive market for organised criminal groups to send drugs such as cocaine” (CBS News). The operation unfolded after a fishing boat, believed to have rendezvoused with a mother ship carrying a huge cocaine shipment, broke down 18km offshore. This led to police seizing 2.3 tonnes of cocaine with an estimated street value of 760 million Australian dollars (£494m). The arrests followed a lengthy investigation sparked by a tip-off about a motorcycle gang planning to traffic drugs into the country.

The operation unfolded after a fishing boat, believed to have rendezvoused with a mother ship carrying a huge cocaine shipment, broke down 18km offshore. This led to police seizing 2.3 tonnes of cocaine with an estimated street value of 760 million Australian dollars (£494m). The arrests followed a lengthy investigation sparked by a tip-off about a motorcycle gang planning to traffic drugs into the country.

AFP Commander Stephen Jay condemned the criminals’ reckless behaviour, stating, “This alleged attempt to collect more than two tonnes of cocaine from the ocean shows that criminals will do anything for their own greed.” He further emphasised the dangers faced by those involved in such high-risk smuggling operations.

Those arrested have been charged with conspiring to import a commercial quantity of border-controlled drugs and face a maximum penalty of life imprisonment if convicted.

This record-breaking haul adds to an already significant year for Australian authorities. In 2023-24, police confiscated 31.3 tonnes of illicit drugs domestically and worked with international partners to intercept 41.8 tonnes. The bust underscores Australia’s sustained efforts to combat drug trafficking and its harmful impact on communities.

Source: Aljazeera

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