The Australian Federal Police have announced the seizure of 2.3 tonnes of cocaine valued at an estimated A$760 million. This operation led to the arrest of 11 men and two juveniles during a significant crackdown on drug trafficking.**
Major Drug Bust in Australia: Over $490 Million in Cocaine Seized from Stranded Vessel**
Major Drug Bust in Australia: Over $490 Million in Cocaine Seized from Stranded Vessel**
Australian authorities intercept a record cocaine shipment linked to outlaw motorcycle gangs, leading to multiple arrests and emphasizing ongoing drug trafficking issues in the region.**
Australian authorities have made a historic seizure of cocaine, confiscating 2.3 tonnes estimated to be worth A$760 million ($490 million) off the coast of Queensland. The drugs were discovered on a fishing vessel that had broken down while attempting to transport the shipment to shore. The operation, led by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) in collaboration with the Queensland Police Service (QPS) and the Australian Border Force (ABF), resulted in the arrest of eleven individuals, including crew members and accomplices waiting on the shore.
This monumental bust, believed to be the largest in Australia's history, has the potential to provide illicit drugs for up to 11.7 million street-level deals. Reports indicate that one of the individuals arrested was connected to the infamous Comanchero outlaw motorcycle club, whose involvement in drug trafficking and associated violence has raised alarms in law enforcement. The operation, dubbed Operation Tyrrendor, follows intelligence reports revealing a syndicate's intent to bring illegal substances into the country.
The shipment originated from an undisclosed South American country, with authorities noting similar patterns of drug trafficking. Just prior to this incident, the Colombian navy had intercepted a semi-submersible vessel filled with cocaine destined for Australia. The fishing vessel, recently purchased by a suspect, encountered engine trouble while transporting the drugs, leading to its interception approximately 18 km from K'gari.
A total of 13 suspects were apprehended in connection to this operation — two on the boat, others on the coast, and additional arrests made during a traffic stop and at a local fast-food restaurant. All individuals face serious charges of conspiracy to import a commercial quantity of cocaine, carrying a potential life sentence.
This seizure highlights the ongoing battle against organized crime and the substantial challenges faced by authorities in curbing drug-related violence and trafficking in Australia.
