Australian police seize record 2.7 tonnes of cocaine near Sydney
Officers found cocaine hidden in underground bunkers beneath modified shipping containers at a property outside Sydney, in what authorities call the country's largest-ever seizure of the drug.
Marcus Reeve
Writer ·
Australian police have uncovered 2.7 metric tonnes of cocaine at a property near Sydney, describing the haul as the largest seizure of the drug in the country's history.
The cocaine was found at Londonderry, a semi-rural suburb on Sydney's outskirts. According to the Associated Press, it had been packed into plastic tubs and concealed in underground bunkers beneath three shipping containers fitted with false floors. Authorities valued the seizure at about AU$816 million, or roughly US$572 million.
Two Sydney men, aged 21 and 25, were arrested and charged with possessing a commercial quantity of an illicit drug. If convicted, they could face life sentences.
A long supply chain
Investigators believe the cocaine was landed by boat at Midge Point in Queensland before being driven about 1,800 kilometres to the Sydney area. The shipment is suspected of being linked to an earlier seizure that included cocaine and methamphetamine.
Police are also examining possible connections to the MV Wealth, a Belize-flagged cargo vessel detained in the Solomon Islands on suspicion of involvement in transnational organised crime.
Why Australia is a target
The case highlights Australia's appeal to international drug networks. High street prices make the country a lucrative destination, while the scale of its coastline creates enforcement challenges, particularly in remote or less monitored areas.
For police, a seizure of this size points to extensive logistics, multiple transport stages and an organised network capable of moving drugs across state lines. The investigation is expected to continue as authorities try to identify everyone involved in landing, storing and distributing the shipment.
Referenced coverage: Our reporting and analysis draws on coverage first reported by Associated Press. The NE Times publishes original reporting and independent analysis written by our editorial team. We credit and link the outlets whose primary reporting informed this article.
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