Record Cocaine Haul Seized off Australian Coast: Biggest Bust Ever
Queensland, Australia – In a dramatic takedown worthy of a Hollywood film, Australian authorities snagged a staggering 2.3 tons (4,600 pounds) of cocaine during a weekend raid – the largest drug seizure in Australia’s history.
The bust comes after a month-long investigation, spurred by a tip that the notorious Comancheros motorcycle gang was orchestrating a massive smuggling operation. The illicit cargo, worth an estimated $494 million on the street, was destined for the Australian mainland and represented enough individual doses to potentially supply nearly 12 million people.
The drugs’ journey, however, took a turn for the worse. As authorities explain, the smugglers tried twice to ferry the drugs to Australia, using a mothership stationed hundreds of miles offshore to unload smaller vessels.
“Australia is a very attractive market for organized criminal groups to send drugs such as cocaine,” said Australian Federal Police Commander Stephen Jay, shedding light on the nation’s allure for drug traffickers.
The first attempt was thwarted when the smaller vessel experienced mechanical failure and the smugglers were left stranded at sea. The second boat also met its demise on Saturday, leaving its occupants adrift until police intervened and apprehended them along with the massive cocaine haul.
In all, 13 individuals, including two minors, were taken into custody. All are Australian citizens, some apprehended on the boat while others were waiting onshore ready to receive the delivery. They face life in prison if convicted on charges of conspiring to import the drug.
“The mothership was in international waters and was not apprehended,” Commander Jay explained. The investigation continues as authorities hunt down any remaining members of the sophisticated smuggling ring.
This successful operation marks a significant victory in the ongoing battle against drug trafficking, sending a clear message that Australia remains committed to disrupting these criminal enterprises.
