Australian authorities have foiled several criminal plots to smuggle nearly $50 million worth of cocaine into the country, uncovering about 145 kilograms of the drug concealed in refrigerated shipping containers since October.
Australian Border Force (ABF) officers made the discoveries during inspections at Port Botany, where cocaine was found hidden in motor compartments and other areas of refrigerated containers arriving from South America. The Australian Federal Police (AFP) have seized the drugs and launched further investigations.
On 9 November, officers detected 40 one-kilogram blocks of cocaine hidden inside a container, while earlier in October, 80 kilograms of cocaine and tracking devices were found across four containers after x-ray scans revealed anomalies. Another 25 kilograms, packaged with lion-head logos, were uncovered on 1 October.
AFP Detective Acting Superintendent Aaron Burgess said the seizures highlight the dangers of such smuggling attempts.
“In one of the seizures, a one-kilogram package of cocaine had been damaged, which resulted in frozen white powder strewn inside the shipping container,” he said.
“Cocaine is highly addictive and places significant pressure on the Australian healthcare system. Criminals should be warned, the AFP is watching.”
ABF Superintendent Matt O’Connor said officers were maintaining strict vigilance at ports and logistics facilities.
“Attempting to breach border controls is one thing but breaking into secure locations is reckless and incredibly serious,” he said.
“Individuals are placing themselves and others at physical risk and facing significant criminal consequences.”
Authorities said the discoveries reflect a growing trend of organised crime groups concealing cocaine in refrigerated containers and later attempting to break into docks or logistics depots to retrieve the drugs.
Earlier this year, four men aged between 22 and 32 were sentenced to prison terms ranging from three to seven years for trying to recover 42 kilograms of cocaine from a refrigerated container at a logistics park.
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