Australian authorities thwart largest cocaine smuggling attempt in history
The Australian police have successfully thwarted the largest attempted importation of cocaine in the country’s history, charging over a dozen individuals in connection with the billion-dollar haul.
A total of 11 men and two juveniles were charged by the Australian Federal Police for conspiring to import 2.34 tonnes of cocaine by sea into the country.
The men, along with the crew of a vessel, allegedly tried to bring the drugs into Queensland, with multiple groups planning to collect the cocaine onshore.
Following a joint effort by the AFP and Queensland Police in investigating a transnational organized crime syndicate, the men were apprehended on Saturday.
The amount of cocaine that was attempted to be imported is equivalent in weight to a Ford Raptor ute.
This drug bust comes after authorities seized more than $160 million worth of illicit substances in April.
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Three men were charged by the AFP in connection with the plot when 500 kilograms of cocaine were seized off a boat ramp in central Queensland.
Law enforcement officers discovered 15 black and yellow waterproof bags containing 32 blocks, each weighing 1kg, that tested positive for cocaine.
Over the past financial year, Australian Border Force and federal police have confiscated more than 33.7 tonnes of illicit drugs and precursors.
By Fraser Barton and Savannah Meacham.
