2.7 tonnes of cocaine found in elaborate bunker system at Sydney property

The Australian Federal Police (AFP) announced the seizure of the most cocaine ever recorded in the country, marking a significant breakthrough in the fight against organized drug trafficking. The operation took place at a semi-rural property in Londonderry, Greater Western Sydney, where law enforcement discovered 2.7 tonnes of cocaine, valued at approximately $816 million on the street. This massive haul represents a staggering three million potential street-level transactions, highlighting the scale of the illicit trade being disrupted.

The discovery occurred on Friday, following a coordinated effort between the AFP and Queensland Police. The initial trigger for the investigation came when local officers responded to a truck fire at a Midge Point boat ramp in North Queensland and found 40 kilograms of cocaine floating in the water. This incident led to a broader inquiry into a larger smuggling operation. The AFP alleges that the fire was staged to destroy evidence of the importation of the drugs, underscoring the sophisticated tactics employed by the criminals involved.

The drugs were concealed in an intricate underground bunker system, hidden beneath false floors within three shipping containers located near the rear of the property. The complexity of the setup indicates a well-planned operation, likely involving multiple individuals working under the direction of an organized crime group. While the specific name of the group remains undisclosed, the AFP suggests that the drugs were imported into Australia near Midge Point and then transported to Sydney by a Sydney-based organized crime network.

Two men in their 20s were apprehended at the scene and charged with possession of a commercial quantity of drugs. They appeared before a New South Wales Local Court on Saturday and were remanded in custody, with subsequent appearances scheduled for August. Additional arrests have been made, including a 32-year-old man from Petrie, who faces charges related to possession of a dangerous drug and dealing with proceeds of crime. He is set to appear before Brisbane Magistrates Court next month. A 32-year-old woman from Petrie, accused of living at a suspected safe house linked to the operation, also faces similar charges. A 24-year-old man from Green Valley was extradited to Queensland and is alleged to have traveled to Midge Point in May to assist in the logistics of the drug movement.

The investigation also involves a vessel named MV Wealth, which is believed to have played a role in the importation process. The ship was detained in the Solomon Islands for further examination, indicating the international reach of the criminal network. AFP Commander Stephen Jay emphasized the collaborative nature of the operation, noting that authorities are confident all drugs tied to the importation have been located. He described the operation as a testament to the determination and organization of the criminal groups involved, stressing the lengths they go to secure profits.

As the legal proceedings unfold, the case highlights the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement in combating transnational drug trafficking. With multiple arrests and a substantial amount of contraband confiscated, the operation serves as a critical step in dismantling a complex and well-coordinated smuggling ring. The next phase will involve court hearings and continued investigations into the full extent of the network’s activities.