Australia's Largest Ever Cocaine Bust: 2.7 Tonnes Seized in Sydney Bunker Raid

Ekhbary News Agency

Sydney, Australia — Australian police have seized a record 2.7 tonnes of cocaine, the largest such bust in the country's history, from an underground bunker system in western Sydney. The drugs have an estimated street value of A$816 million (£433 million, €500 million).

The cocaine was discovered on Friday concealed within compartments beneath false floors in three shipping containers at a property in Londonderry. Two men, aged 21 and 25, were arrested at the scene after allegedly attempting to flee from police. They have been charged with possessing a commercial quantity of an unlawfully imported border-controlled drug. Police stated the cocaine was smuggled into Australia on the orders of an organised crime group.

Operation Minjiang Uncovers Smuggling Ring

The two men, who were remanded in custody after appearing in court on Saturday, face life in prison if convicted. Police revealed the raid on the Londonderry property is part of "Operation Minjiang," which was initiated in May following the discovery of 40kg of cocaine floating in the water off a boat ramp in Midge Point, North Queensland. This bust has certainly put a dent in the drug trade.

International Cooperation and Ongoing Investigations

In addition to the arrests in Sydney, six other individuals in Queensland and New South Wales were arrested and charged as part of the broader investigation. An alleged "mother vessel" suspected of involvement in the smuggling operation has also been detained in the Solomon Islands. Australian Federal Police Commander Stephen Jay highlighted the sophistication of these criminal networks, stating, "The alleged plot shows how highly organised and determined these criminal networks are, and the extreme lengths they are willing to go to in pursuit of profit." Investigations into the origin of the drugs are ongoing, with authorities collaborating internationally to identify all involved syndicates.