Australian authorities have seized a record 2.7 tonnes of cocaine in what has been described as the largest cocaine bust in the country’s history.
The massive drug haul, estimated to be worth around A$816 million (£433 million), was discovered on Friday hidden inside an elaborate underground bunker system at a property in Londonderry, western Sydney.
Police said the cocaine was concealed beneath false floors in three shipping containers located on the property. Investigators believe the sophisticated hiding method was designed to avoid detection and facilitate large-scale drug distribution.
Two men, aged 21 and 25, were arrested during the operation after allegedly attempting to flee from officers. Both have been charged with possessing a commercial quantity of an unlawfully imported border-controlled drug.
The suspects appeared in court on Saturday and were remanded in custody. If convicted, they could face life imprisonment.
Authorities believe the drugs were smuggled into Australia through Midge Point, a small coastal town in North Queensland, on behalf of an organised crime syndicate.
The seizure forms part of an ongoing investigation known as Operation Minjiang, which was launched in May after 40 kilograms of cocaine were found floating near a boat ramp in Midge Point.
The discovery triggered a wider investigation that has so far led to the arrest and charging of six additional individuals in Queensland and New South Wales.
Police have also detained an alleged “mother vessel” in the Solomon Islands that is suspected of being linked to the international smuggling network.
Despite its geographical isolation, Australia remains one of the world’s most profitable destinations for drug traffickers due to the high street value of cocaine, which can sell for approximately A$300 per gram.
According to the latest United Nations World Drug Report, Australia and New Zealand continue to record some of the highest rates of cocaine use globally.
Australian Federal Police Commander Stephen Jay said the case highlighted the sophistication and determination of international criminal organisations.
“The alleged operation demonstrates how organised these criminal networks are and the extraordinary lengths they will go to in pursuit of profit,” he said.
Authorities said investigations into the origin of the drugs and the wider criminal syndicate remain ongoing, with Australian law enforcement agencies working closely with international partners to identify everyone involved in the attempted importation.
The record seizure marks one of the most significant victories in Australia’s ongoing fight against transnational drug trafficking.
