Australia's largest cocaine bust: 2.7 tonnes seized in Sydney bunker
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) and NSW Police seized 2.7 tonnes of cocaine in an elaborate underground bunker system on a semi-rural property in Londonderry, western Sydney. The estimated street value is around $816 million. The operation is the largest single cocaine seizure in Australian history.
According to the official statement reported by ABC News Australia, AFP and NSW Police announced at a Monday morning press conference that they had seized 2.7 tonnes of cocaine at a property in Londonderry. The estimated street value stands at $816 million. This is recorded as the largest single cocaine seizure in Australian history.
Seven people were arrested in the raid: four Australian citizens, two Brazilians and one Colombian suspect. According to police, the drugs reached Sydney aboard container vessels accompanied by fishing boats across the Pacific; the tunnels beneath the property were used as a packaging and distribution centre. The bunker features air circulation, storage and escape routes for suspects.
AFP Deputy Commissioner Krissy Barrett said the operation was "proof of Latin American cartel organised crime establishing itself directly in Australia". Connected investigations are underway at four points across the Pacific. The federal government has allocated an extra $240 million for strengthening maritime border surveillance.
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