Investigations are continuing into the overseas organised crime groups behind the failed importation.

The drugs were discovered after ABF officers intercepted three containers and uncovered hidden plastic pipes and packages inside the crane structures.

Authorities estimate the seized methamphetamine has a street value of $29.6 million and could have been sold as approximately 320,000 street deals, while the cocaine is worth an estimated $2.6 million and could have been distributed in 40,000 deals.

A 40-year-old Melbourne man, a 41-year-old Baulkham Hills man, and a 46-year-old Telopea man have been charged with attempting to possess a commercial quantity of a border-controlled drug, a crime that carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.

“This is an immense amount of illicit drugs which our officers have stopped from filtering through to the streets, hundreds of thousands of lives not put at risk due to these dangerous substances."

The JOCTF worked closely with US Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), leading to the interception of a consignment containing 1.728 tonnes of methamphetamine, 25kg of cocaine, and 5kg of heroin in California before it could leave for Australia.

During the search, officers discovered clothing items containing a crystalline substance impregnated into the fabric.

The drugs were removed before the vessel departed Los Angeles for Australia.

The 58-year-old was sentenced by the Brisbane Supreme Court on Thursday, 3 October 2024, and must serve at least 12 months before being eligible for parole.

When ABF officers examined the consignment from the United States, they found a package of methamphetamine concealed among foam packaging and alerted the AFP.