Australian authorities have confiscated 2.7 tonnes of cocaine, marking the largest drug seizure in the country’s history. The illicit substance, valued at £433 million, was discovered hidden in compartments beneath false floors within three shipping containers at a property in Londonderry, western Sydney. Following the discovery, two individuals, aged 21 and 25, were apprehended at the site and charged with possession of a significant quantity of an illegally imported border-controlled substance.
Law enforcement officials revealed that the cocaine was illicitly brought into Australia through Midge Point, a small town in North Queensland, under the instructions of an organized crime syndicate. The operation, known as Minjiang, was initiated in May 2026 after Queensland Police discovered 40kg of cocaine near a boat ramp at Midge Point while investigating a burnt-out flatbed truck.
Additionally, six individuals in Queensland and New South Wales were arrested and charged as part of the ongoing investigation stemming from this initial find. The arrested individuals appeared in a NSW Local Court and were remanded in custody. The investigation into the criminal network responsible for the drug importation is still ongoing, with authorities vowing to collaborate with national and international partners to uncover all involved parties.
Commander Stephen Jay of the Australian Federal Police praised the diligent efforts of law enforcement personnel in dismantling the criminal network and safeguarding communities from the harmful effects of illegal drugs. He emphasized the lengths to which criminals will go to smuggle drugs into the country and underscored the significance of disrupting such operations to protect the well-being of Australian society.
The alleged scheme to distribute the substantial quantity of cocaine underscores the intricate and determined nature of criminal enterprises, highlighting the need for continued vigilance and collaboration among law enforcement agencies to combat drug trafficking effectively.
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