Australian Federal Police (AFP) have announced the country’s largest-ever cocaine seizure after discovering 2.7 tonnes of the drug hidden inside elaborate underground bunkers at a semi-rural property in western Sydney. The operation has led to multiple arrests and exposed a sophisticated international drug trafficking network spanning Australia, Queensland and the Solomon Islands.
Massive Drug Cache Found Beneath Shipping Containers
Authorities raided a property in Londonderry, located in Greater Western Sydney, where investigators uncovered plastic tubs packed with cocaine buried beneath three shipping containers fitted with false floors. The hidden bunker system was designed to evade detection and enable large-scale storage before distribution across Australia.
Police estimate the seized drugs carry a street value of approximately A$816 million (around US$530 million) and could have been converted into nearly three million individual street-level deals had they reached consumers.
Two Men Arrested at the Property
During the operation, officers arrested two men aged 21 and 25 who allegedly attempted to flee when police arrived at the scene. They have been charged with possessing a commercial quantity of a border-controlled drug, an offence that could carry a maximum penalty of life imprisonment under Australian law.
Investigators are continuing to examine their alleged roles within the wider criminal network.
Operation Minjiang Uncovered a Larger Syndicate
The seizure was part of an extensive multi-agency investigation known as Operation Minjiang, which began in late May following a suspicious incident at Midge Point in north Queensland. Local police responding to a truck fire discovered 40 kilograms of cocaine floating in nearby waters, prompting a broader inquiry. Authorities suspect the vehicle was intentionally set ablaze to destroy evidence.
As investigations expanded, law enforcement agencies executed multiple search warrants across Queensland and New South Wales.
Prior to the Sydney discovery, officers had already seized:
- 178 kilograms of cocaine
- 142 kilograms of methamphetamine
- Additional smaller quantities of drugs and criminal paraphernalia
Several individuals were arrested and charged in connection with the trafficking operation.
International Smuggling Route Under Investigation
Authorities allege the cocaine shipment entered Australian waters via north Queensland before being transported south through a network of local operatives.
Investigators believe a vessel named MV Wealth served as the alleged “mother ship” responsible for carrying the narcotics into the region. The vessel has since been intercepted and detained in the Solomon Islands as authorities work with international partners to identify everyone involved in the operation.
Officials suspect a Sydney-based organised crime syndicate orchestrated the distribution network.
Multi-Agency Cooperation Played a Crucial Role
The operation involved cooperation between multiple agencies, including:
- Australian Federal Police (AFP)
- Queensland Police Service
- Australian Border Force
- Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission
- International law enforcement partners
Officials said the case highlights the growing sophistication of transnational criminal organisations and the lengths they are willing to go to avoid detection.
Authorities Issue Strong Warning to Criminal Networks
AFP Commander Stephen Jay said organised crime groups continue to invest heavily in complex concealment methods to maximise profits from Australia’s lucrative illicit drug market.
Law enforcement agencies stressed that every kilogram of cocaine removed from circulation helps prevent violence, organised crime activities and significant social harm associated with drug trafficking.
Authorities also indicated that more arrests are likely as investigators continue to analyse digital evidence, financial records and communications linked to the operation.
A New Record in Australia’s Fight Against Drug Crime
The 2.7-tonne seizure surpasses previous cocaine bust records in Australia and represents one of the country’s largest organised crime investigations in recent years. Officials say the success demonstrates increasing coordination between domestic and international agencies to disrupt sophisticated trafficking networks before drugs enter local communities.
Australia’s record 2.7-tonne cocaine seizure highlights the growing sophistication of transnational drug syndicates and the country’s vulnerability as a lucrative narcotics market. The use of underground bunkers, international maritime routes and coordinated criminal networks underscores evolving smuggling tactics.
The operation also demonstrates the importance of intelligence-sharing and multi-agency cooperation in disrupting organised crime before illicit drugs reach communities.
