The Australian Federal Police (AFP) and Australian Border Force (ABF) have seized 14kg of cocaine concealed inside a large air cargo shipment of fruit pulp at Melbourne Airport, in a major drug interception targeting organised crime networks.

The international consignment, which weighed around two tonnes, arrived in Melbourne on 7 May 2026 and was flagged as high-risk for inspection by border authorities.

ABF officers conducted an X-ray examination of the shipment, which identified anomalies in several boxes. A subsequent physical search uncovered 16 boxes suspected of containing border-controlled drugs.

The AFP later seized the consignment, with presumptive testing indicating the substance was cocaine, totalling 14kg.

AFP Detective Superintendent Ray Imbriano said criminal syndicates were increasingly using sophisticated concealment methods to smuggle drugs into Australia.

“Criminal syndicates are becoming more creative with their attempts to conceal these types of drugs,” he said.

“Australian law enforcement agencies have extensive methods to detect and intercept these consignments, and we are steadfast in our mission to keep these harmful substances out of Australia.”

ABF Acting Superintendent Claudine Lupton said officers remained focused on protecting the community and disrupting illicit supply chains.

“The ongoing interception and seizure of illicit drugs reiterates the ABF’s commitment to dismantling criminal networks while ensuring legitimate trade is maintained.”

Authorities are now appealing for public assistance, particularly from anyone who may have been contacted about purchasing or disposing of a shipment of fruit pulp.

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