Hidden inside tractors and shipped across the east coast, millions of dollars worth of cocaine has been intercepted by the Australian Border Force in a major drug bust.
Officers made the first discovery during a targeted inspection in Brisbane on Monday, April 6, locating 19 plastic-wrapped blocks concealed inside a green tractor on a vessel bound for Port Kembla in NSW. Testing returned a presumptive positive result for cocaine, with a total of 22.25kg uncovered. It has an estimated street value of about $7.1 million.
Do you have a story we should be covering? Contact [email protected]
Duffle bag find pushes total haul past 50kg
Further inspections were carried out when the vessel arrived in Port Kembla, where officers found a duffle bag hidden inside a separate yellow tractor destined for Melbourne. That bag contained an estimated 30kg of cocaine, with testing again returning a positive result. The drugs were seized and an investigation is now underway into the attempted importation of the drug.
ABF Maritime Operations Queensland Superintendent, Jim Ley, said officers remain on high alert to the tactics used by organised crime groups.
“Criminal syndicates use a range of concealment methods, including heavy machinery, to avoid detection at the border. ABF officers are alert to these tactics and will continue to detect and disrupt them at the border,” Ley said.
“This detection demonstrates the professionalism and expertise of our ABF Maritime Operations officers. Every day they conduct thorough inspections to disrupt serious and organised crime before harmful drugs can reach the Australian community.”
Authorities are urging anyone with information about the attempted importation or other serious organised crime to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or report suspicious activity impacting Australia’s border security through Border Watch online.
The ABF said it will continue working with domestic and international partners to identify emerging concealment methods and prevent criminal exploitation of Australia’s borders.
Do you have a story tip? Email: [email protected]
You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
