The Australian Federal Police (AFP) seized 2.34 metric tons of cocaine, worth A$760M (US$494M), after a recreational fishing vessel broke down 18 kilometers (11 miles) off Queensland's coast, leading to the arrest of thirteen suspects.

The Australian Federal Police (AFP) seized 2.34 metric tons of cocaine, worth A$760M (US$494M), after a recreational fishing vessel broke down 18 kilometers (11 miles) off Queensland's coast, leading to the arrest of thirteen suspects.

The operation began last month following intelligence that the Comanchero motorcycle gang was planning to import drugs, prompting a joint investigation between federal and Queensland police.

The operation began last month following intelligence that the Comanchero motorcycle gang was planning to import drugs, prompting a joint investigation between federal and Queensland police.

The smugglers attempted two separate boat operations to retrieve cocaine from a mothership in international waters, both of which experienced mechanical failures. Police raided the second vessel while it was stranded, but the mothership was not caught.

Marine Insight

The smugglers attempted two separate boat operations to retrieve cocaine from a mothership in international waters, both of which experienced mechanical failures. Police raided the second vessel while it was stranded, but the mothership was not caught.

Police arrested eleven men and two juveniles, including the Brisbane vice president of the Comanchero Outlaw Motorcycle Gang, charging all suspects with conspiracy to import commercial quantities of drugs. The maximum penalty if convicted is life in prison.

Police arrested eleven men and two juveniles, including the Brisbane vice president of the Comanchero Outlaw Motorcycle Gang, charging all suspects with conspiracy to import commercial quantities of drugs. The maximum penalty if convicted is life in prison.

The cocaine haul, equivalent to 11.7 million individual street deals, represents the largest cocaine seizure in Australian history and was discovered wrapped in 51 bales with roped netting.

Al Jazeera

The cocaine haul, equivalent to 11.7 million individual street deals, represents the largest cocaine seizure in Australian history and was discovered wrapped in 51 bales with roped netting.

This comes after Australian authorities seized 31.3 tons of illicit drugs domestically in 2023/24 while also assisting international authorities in seizing an additional 41.8 tons of drugs.

This comes after Australian authorities seized 31.3 tons of illicit drugs domestically in 2023/24 while also assisting international authorities in seizing an additional 41.8 tons of drugs.

The operation began in November 2024 following intelligence that the Comanchero motorcycle gang was planning to import drugs, prompting a joint investigation between federal and Queensland police.

NBC #

The smugglers attempted two separate boat operations to retrieve cocaine from a mothership in international waters, with both vessels experiencing mechanical failures during their missions.

CNN #2497

Police arrested eleven men and two juveniles, including the Brisbane vice president of the Comanchero Outlaw Motorcycle Gang, charging all suspects with conspiracy to import commercial quantities of drugs.

Al Jazeera #

Australian authorities seized 31.3 tonnes of illicit drugs domestically in 2023/24 and assisted international authorities in seizing an additional 41.8 tonnes of drugs.

Law enforcement agencies have demonstrated their capability to disrupt major criminal enterprises through coordinated intelligence and operational responses. The successful multi-agency operation prevented widespread community harm and sent a clear message that Australian borders remain secure against drug importation attempts. The record seizure proves the effectiveness of Australia's border protection strategy and inter-agency cooperation.

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13 people charged over the largest cocaine seizure in Australia

Record $760M Cocaine Bust as Smugglers' Boat Breaks Down

Australia

Drug abuse & traffic

Cocaine

This cocaine bust underscores Australia's intensified efforts to combat drug smuggling. While the government prevented almost 12M cocaine sales through just one boat operation, private groups like Crime Stoppers Australia are educating the public on how they can help, resulting in hundreds of arrests and significant asset seizures. Australia is where drug crime comes to an end.

This cocaine bust underscores Australia's intensified efforts to combat drug smuggling. While the government prevented almost 12M cocaine sales through just one boat operation, private groups like Crime Stoppers Australia are educating the public on how they can help, resulting in hundreds of arrests and significant asset seizures. Australia is where drug crime comes to an end.

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Record $760M Cocaine Bust as Smugglers' Boat Breaks Down

Record $760M Cocaine Bust as Smugglers' Boat Breaks Down

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