Police seized 2.7 tonnes of cocaine in western Sydney, marking the largest cocaine bust in the history of Australia.
Australian authorities have confiscated 2.7 tonnes of cocaine worth an estimated A$816 million after raiding an underground bunker system hidden beneath shipping containers in western Sydney.
The drugs were discovered inside concealed compartments beneath false floors at a property in Londonderry. Two men, aged 21 and 25, were arrested after allegedly attempting to flee the scene. Both have been charged with possessing a commercial quantity of an unlawfully imported border-controlled drug and could face life imprisonment if convicted.
Police said the cocaine was allegedly smuggled into Australia through Midge Point in North Queensland on the orders of an organised crime syndicate. Investigators believe the operation is linked to a wider international drug trafficking network.
The seizure forms part of Operation Minjiang, launched after 40kg of cocaine was found floating near a boat ramp in Queensland in May. Authorities have also arrested six other suspects and detained an alleged “mother vessel” in the Solomon Islands.
Australian police say investigations are ongoing as they work with international partners to identify everyone involved in the multi-million-dollar drug smuggling operation.