During a forensic search of the vessel, officers deployed specialist technology, including videoscopes and detector dogs.

AFP warned that profits from large-scale drug importations could also be used to fund politically motivated crimes or terrorism, contributing to instability across the region.

The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency has issued a public warning about the cancelled and prohibited practitioner, saying he cannot provide any health services and remains under investigation.

The man arrested has not been named by the AFP, but authorities have confirmed he is a former Melbourne resident Kazem Hamad who was deported from Australia in 2023 and has been a key figure of interest in investigations into drug trafficking and violent organised crime.

Videos of the oatzempic drink usually promise easy weight loss, effortless fullness and a “natural alternative” to medication.

Officers allege a range of substances — including cocaine, ketamine, MDMA, GHB, methylamphetamine and cannabis — were destined for Schoolies events on the Peninsula before being intercepted.

Barrett warned that Australia’s ongoing demand for illicit commodities — even amid cost-of-living pressures — was placing “significant pressure in our suburbs” and driving organised crime to use Pacific transit routes.

“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”

“Criminal syndicates are exploiting young travellers who may not understand the risks of importing border-controlled drugs into Australia, all for their own financial gain.”

Police allege Aneeza Rehnaaz Ali and Mohammed Saiyad Ali were running a large-scale drug operation across the Lower Mainland and into regional communities.