Major Drug Bust in Queensland: $500 Million Cocaine Seized

The Australian Federal Police have confiscated 2.3 tonnes of cocaine valued at A$760 million from a stalled boat off Queensland, leading to the arrest of eleven men and two juveniles in a high-profile drug trafficking case associated with notorious biker gangs.

In a groundbreaking operation, Australian Federal Police (AFP) announced the seizure of 2.3 tonnes of cocaine estimated at A$760 million ($490 million) off the coast of Queensland. This marks the largest cocaine bust recorded in Australian history, with authorities arresting eleven men and two juveniles involved in the trafficking network.

The arrests were executed after a boat carrying the cocaine encountered mechanical issues while attempting to deliver the illicit drugs to the shore. Among those taken into custody, law enforcement pointed to one individual as the vice-president of the Comanchero outlaw motorcycle club’s Brisbane chapter. Biker gangs in Australia have a notorious reputation for violent drug-related crime, and there have been over 1,000 shootings linked to these gangs since the 1980s.

The operation was part of a broader investigation dubbed Operation Tyrrendor, initiated after authorities received intelligence about a criminal syndicate believed to have ties to the Comanchero gang. Last week, Colombian naval forces intercepted a semi-submersible vessel also attributed to drug shipments destined for Australia.

The AFP collaborated with the Queensland Police Service (QPS) and the Australian Border Force (ABF) to track a recently purchased fishing boat used to transport the cocaine from a larger mothership. The vessel broke down approximately 18km from K'gari, leading to its interception by law enforcement. Upon boarding, authorities discovered 51 bales of cocaine, each containing 40kg, totaling a significant 2.34 tonnes.

Following the arrests on the boat, further detentions occurred, including two men on the coast waiting for the cargo and additional individuals at a nearby fast-food restaurant. All detained suspects now face charges of conspiracy to import a commercial quantity of cocaine, potentially resulting in life imprisonment. This operation underscores a relentless pursuit of drug trafficking and organized crime across Australia.