Australia Achieves Record Cocaine Seizure as Authorities Disrupt Major Organized Crime Operation
In a significant breakthrough for national security and law enforcement efforts, Australian Federal Police (AFP) have intercepted a record-breaking 2.7 tonnes of cocaine, marking the largest seizure of its kind in the country’s history. This operation is part of a comprehensive investigation into a sophisticated organized crime network involved in the illegal importation and distribution of substantial quantities of border-controlled drugs along Australia’s east coast.
The seizure was carried out under the auspices of Operation Minjiang, conducted by the Queensland Joint Organised Crime Taskforce (QJOCTF). This operation follows previous successful interceptions, including 178 kilograms of cocaine and 142 kilograms of methamphetamine, cumulatively surpassing three tonnes of illicit substances off Australian shores.
The operation culminated on June 19, 2026, with a coordinated search at a semi-rural property in Londonderry, near western Sydney. During the raid, authorities apprehended two suspects: a 21-year-old man from Plumpton and a 25-year-old man from Liverpool. Both individuals attempted to evade police on foot before their arrest.
Law enforcement officers uncovered the substantial cache of cocaine within three shipping containers located at the rear of the property. The drugs were ingeniously concealed in plastic tubs buried in underground bunkers beneath false container floors. The estimated street value of this seizure is approximately $816 million AUD, representing the potential for around three million street-level transactions.
Both suspects face charges related to the possession and attempted importation of a commercial quantity of border-controlled drugs, violating section 307.5 of the Criminal Code (Cth), which carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. They appeared before a New South Wales Local Court and are currently remanded in custody, with their next hearings scheduled for August 13, 2026.
Further investigations suggest that the cocaine was imported into Australia near Midge Point in North Queensland, then transported to Sydney at the behest of a Sydney-based organized crime group. This marks a significant achievement in efforts to dismantle complex drug trafficking networks operating across state lines.
The broader operation began earlier in May 2026, following the discovery of 40 kilograms of cocaine off a boat ramp at Midge Point by Queensland Police Service (QPS). Authorities responded to reports of a burnt-out flatbed truck, leading to the identification of a Mackay man as the vehicle’s owner. A series of search warrants across Queensland and New South Wales were subsequently executed, leading to multiple arrests and charges.
Among those detained are individuals charged with various offenses, including possession of dangerous drugs, conspiracy, and dealing with proceeds of crime. Notably, a 32-year-old man from Petrie was extradited to Queensland and has been charged with attempting to possess a commercial quantity of border-controlled drugs, carrying a potential life sentence. Similarly, a woman from Petrie and a 24-year-old man from New South Wales have been linked to the ongoing investigation, with court dates scheduled for later this year.
The authorities also continue to investigate the suspected involvement of the vessel MV Wealth, believed to be part of the illicit drug importation effort, which remains detained by authorities in the Solomon Islands.
The operation exemplifies the collaborative efforts of multiple law enforcement agencies, including the AFP, QPS, Australian Border Force (ABF), Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC), AUSTRAC, and the Australian Tax Office (ATO). The Queensland Police’s Highway Patrol also played an integral role in the successful execution of warrants and arrests.
AFP Commander Stephen Jay emphasized the dedication and professionalism of the law enforcement teams involved, highlighting their commitment to safeguarding Australian communities from the harms associated with illicit drugs. He underscored the organized and determined nature of these criminal networks and affirmed ongoing efforts to trace the origins of the intercepted drugs and dismantle associated syndicates.
Queensland Police Service’s Detective Acting Chief Superintendent Troy Pukallus reflected on the importance of strong partnerships and meticulous investigative work, noting that such operations are vital to removing significant quantities of dangerous substances from the market and preventing future harm.
Australian Border Force Commander Troy Sokoloff reinforced the message that coordinated, intelligence-led approaches remain critical in countering organized crime, warning criminal syndicates that their efforts are actively being targeted and disrupted.
Overall, this operation underscores the importance of inter-agency cooperation in tackling sophisticated drug trafficking operations and highlights Australia’s ongoing commitment to protecting its borders and citizens from the devastating impacts of illegal drugs.
