Australian police seize record $572 million cocaine haul

Australian police say they have seized 2.7 tonnes of cocaine hidden underground near Sydney, the country’s largest cocaine bust to date.

Australian police said on Monday they had uncovered 2,700 kg of cocaine concealed in underground bunkers at a semi-rural property west of Sydney.

The Australian Federal Police said the drugs were packed in plastic tubs and buried inside three shipping containers with false floors. Commander Stephen Jay said the haul had an estimated street value of about A$816 million, or $572.3 million, and would have amounted to roughly three million street-level deals.

Eight people charged

The discovery was made on Friday as part of an investigation into an organised crime syndicate suspected of importing drugs along Australia’s east coast.

Police said eight people have been charged, and further activity is expected as investigators continue to pursue those behind the shipment.

The same investigation had already led to the interception of 178 kg of cocaine and 142 kg of methamphetamine, bringing the total amount of drugs seized to more than three tonnes.

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The seizure was described by authorities as Australia’s largest-ever cocaine bust.

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Australia Cocaine Drugs Drug Trafficking organised crime Sydney