In a significant operation, Australian police seized a staggering 2.3 tonnes of cocaine from a malfunctioning vessel off the Queensland coast, as announced by the authorities on Monday.
This operation culminated in the arrest of 11 men and two juveniles, involving both the ship’s crew and individuals stationed onshore to retrieve the illicit cargo. The confiscated drugs, valued at A$760 million, represent the largest cocaine seizure in Australia’s history, suggesting the potential for distribution across an estimated 11.7 million individual street deals.
Authorities revealed that the operation was intricately linked to the Comanchero outlaw motorcycle gang. Notably, one of the detainees was identified as the vice-president of the gang’s Brisbane chapter. Such biker gangs have a notorious reputation in Australia, with over 1,000 recorded shootings since the 1980s attributable to their drug-related activities.
The bust was part of a broader investigation known as Operation Tyrrendor, targeting the Comanchero gang, which commenced last month. Intelligence had indicated that a criminal syndicate with ties to the gang was preparing to smuggle drugs into Australia. This operation follows reports of the Colombian navy’s interception of a similar cocaine shipment destined for Australia, further highlighting the international scope of this trafficking network.
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) collaborated closely with the Queensland Police Service (QPS) and the Australian Border Force (ABF) to monitor a fishing vessel recently acquired by a 35-year-old suspect. This boat was reportedly used to transfer the drugs from a larger mothership to the mainland. However, when a mechanical issue occurred roughly 18 kilometers from K’gari’s northeastern tip, authorities intercepted the vessel, discovering 51 bales of cocaine, each weighing 40 kilograms.
The initial arrests occurred aboard the ship, with subsequent detentions onshore. Law enforcement further detained individuals in a nearby fast-food establishment and during a traffic stop. The final arrest took place in Brisbane following a search warrant executed by the AFP and QPS.
All 13 individuals face charges of conspiracy to import a commercial quantity of cocaine, a crime that carries a potential life sentence. This significant bust emphasizes the continued threat and complexity of international drug trafficking networks targeting Australia.
This historic cocaine seizure underscores the collaborative efforts of Australian law enforcement agencies in addressing the complex challenges posed by international drug cartels. The operation not only marked a significant victory in preventing the distribution of vast quantities of cocaine but also highlights the ongoing need for vigilance and coordination in tackling organized crime.
Source: BBC
