The Australian police have successfully seized a staggering $500 million worth of cocaine following the breakdown of a trafficking vessel.
At a Glance
- Australian police seized a record 2.3 tons of cocaine, marking the largest cocaine haul ever recorded in Australia.
- A total of 13 people were arrested, including members of the Comancheros motorcycle gang.
- The operation was part of the larger investigation called Operation Tyrrendor.
- The cocaine was found on a boat after it suffered a mechanical fault near K’gari.
Largest Cocaine Haul in Australia
Australian police recently uncovered 2.3 tons of cocaine from a boat that broke down off the coast of Queensland. This marks the largest cocaine seizure ever recorded in Australia. Authorities confirmed that the drugs were to be offloaded in Australia from a larger mothership hovering in international waters.
Operation Tyrrendor
This massive operation resulted in the arrest of 13 individuals, including 11 men and two juveniles. The suspects are alleged members of the notorious Comancheros motorcycle gang. The bust was part of the extensive “Operation Tyrrendor,” a focused investigation into the Comancheros’ smuggling activities, involving collaboration between the Australian Federal Police, Queensland Police Service, and the Australian Border Force.
“Australia is a very attractive market for organized criminal groups to send drugs such as cocaine,” Australian Federal Police Commander Stephen Jay said.
The cocaine was originally transported from an unspecified South American country, highlighting the international dimension of the drug trade that targets Australia.
Australian Police Make Record Cocaine Bust https://t.co/ZzGQze1tqo
— Maritime Reporter (@ShipNews) December 2, 2024
Unyielding Battle Against Drug Trafficking
Efforts to smuggle the cocaine into the country failed due to mechanical issues. The transport vessel’s breakdown was a blessing in disguise for the police, who intercepted the boat 18 kilometers from K’gari as it attempted to deliver its cargo. “The drugs had an estimated street value of A$760m ($490m; £388m), with the potential to be distributed across 11.7 million separate street deals – making it the largest cocaine bust in Australian history,” authorities said.
While the mothership that transported the cocaine from South America was not captured, this interception is a significant victory in Australia’s ongoing battle against drug trafficking.
