AUSTRALIA’S LARGEST DRUG BUST: 2.3 tonnes of cocaine seized from stranded boat

International

AUSTRALIAN authorities have made a record cocaine seizure, confiscating 2.3 tonnes of cocaine from a stranded boat off Queensland’s coast.

In a report by the Australian Federal Police, it said that the shipment, valued at A$760 million ($490 million USD), is the largest cocaine bust in the country’s history, with the potential for distribution across 11.7 million street deals.

There were 11 men and two juveniles arrested, including the boat's crew and individuals awaiting the drugs onshore.

The seizure is part of a broader investigation into the Comanchero outlaw motorcycle gang, which was first launched in October under the operation name Tyrrendor.

Authorities believe the gang orchestrated the shipment, with intelligence indicating links to a South American criminal syndicate.

One of those arrested, a 35-year-old man, was allegedly the vice-president of the Comanchero’s Brisbane chapter.

Biker gangs in Australia have been notorious for involvement in drug violence, with over 1,000 shootings recorded since the 1980s.

The operation began when police tracked a fishing boat, recently bought by one of the suspects.

On the night of the seizure, the boat, used to transport the cocaine from a larger mothership, broke down about 18 kilometers off K'gari, Queensland.

Authorities intercepted the vessel and discovered 51 bales, each containing 40kg of cocaine.

After the boat was stopped, additional arrests were made at various locations, including a fast-food restaurant and a traffic stop.

The arrested individuals face charges of conspiring to import a commercial quantity of cocaine, a crime carrying a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.

The seizure follows a similar incident last week, in which the Colombian navy intercepted a semi-submersible carrying cocaine destined for Australia.(CMM)