Australia's Biggest Cocaine Bust: 2.7 Tonnes Found in Sydney

Australian Federal Police have seized 2.7 tonnes of cocaine in the nation's largest-ever drug bust, uncovering the massive haul buried in underground bunkers at a semi-rural property in Londonderry, western Sydney. The record-breaking seizure, with an estimated street value of AU$816 million (approximately US$572 million), represents a major blow to organised crime and highlights Australia's position as a lucrative destination for international drug trafficking.

Operation Minjiang: How the Record Cocaine Bust Unfolded

The seizure was the culmination of Operation Minjiang, a multi-agency investigation led by the Queensland Joint Organised Crime Taskforce (QJOCTF), involving the AFP, Queensland Police, Australian Border Force, and other law enforcement bodies. The operation began in May 2026 after Queensland Police discovered 40 kilograms of cocaine in waters near Midge Point, North Queensland. That initial find triggered a broader investigation that ultimately led authorities to the Londonderry property.

On June 19, 2026, officers raided the semi-rural property and discovered the cocaine hidden in plastic tubs buried in underground bunkers, concealed beneath false flooring inside shipping containers. Two men — aged 21 from Plumpton and 25 from Liverpool — were arrested at the scene as they attempted to flee on foot. They have been charged with possessing a commercial quantity of an unlawfully imported border-controlled drug, an offense carrying a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.

Scale and Impact of Australia's Largest Cocaine Seizure

The 2.7-tonne haul represents approximately three million street deals and dwarfs all previous Australian cocaine seizures. Combined with earlier Operation Minjiang seizures of 178 kilograms of cocaine and 142 kilograms of methamphetamine, authorities have now intercepted over three tonnes of border-controlled drugs. The global cocaine trade dynamics show that Australia and New Zealand have among the highest per-capita cocaine use rates in the world, according to the UN World Drug Report, making the region a prime target for South American cartels.

Street Value and Market Impact

With an estimated street value of AU$816 million, the seizure represents a significant financial hit to organised crime networks. AFP Commissioner Reece Kershaw stated: 'This is a massive blow to organised crime. We have prevented hundreds of millions of dollars from flowing back to criminal syndicates and stopped millions of harmful doses from reaching our communities.'

International Trafficking Network and the Pacific Route

Police allege the cocaine was imported via a foreign vessel near Midge Point, North Queensland, before being transported approximately 1,800 kilometres by road to Sydney for distribution by an organised crime group. A suspected mother vessel, the Belize-flagged cargo ship MV Wealth, has been detained in the Solomon Islands for further investigation. This seizure underscores the growing use of the Pacific route by South American cartels, who exploit the region's vast maritime expanse and limited law enforcement resources to smuggle cocaine into Australia.

The Pacific drug trafficking routes have seen increased activity, with at least seven narco submarines discovered in Pacific waters near Australia over the past 18 months. Recent record seizures include 11.5 tonnes of cocaine in French Polynesia and 2.6 tonnes in Fiji, indicating a broader trend of escalating drug flows through the region.

Legal Consequences and Ongoing Investigations

In addition to the two men arrested at the scene, six other suspects have been charged in connection with the operation across Queensland and New South Wales. Authorities are continuing to investigate the international criminal network behind the shipment, with further arrests possible. The AFP has emphasised that the investigation remains active and that international cooperation with Pacific Island nations and other partners is crucial to dismantling the trafficking networks.

Assistant Commissioner Stephen Dametto of the Queensland Police Service commented: 'This operation demonstrates the power of multi-agency collaboration. We are working tirelessly with our partners to identify and disrupt every level of these criminal enterprises, from the street dealers to the international kingpins.'

The case also highlights the role of cryptocurrency in drug trafficking as investigators examine financial records linked to the syndicate.

FAQ: Australia's Record Cocaine Bust

What is the largest cocaine bust in Australian history?

The largest cocaine bust in Australian history is the seizure of 2.7 tonnes (approximately 3 tons) of cocaine by the Australian Federal Police on June 19, 2026, as part of Operation Minjiang.

Where was the cocaine found?

The cocaine was found buried in plastic tubs inside underground bunkers hidden beneath false floors in shipping containers at a semi-rural property in Londonderry, a suburb in western Sydney.

How much is 2.7 tonnes of cocaine worth?

The street value of the seized cocaine is estimated at AU$816 million (approximately US$572 million or €490 million).

Who has been arrested in connection with the bust?

Two men aged 21 and 25 were arrested at the scene. Six other suspects have also been charged across Queensland and New South Wales. All face serious drug trafficking charges carrying potential life sentences.

How did the police discover the cocaine?

The discovery followed a multi-agency investigation called Operation Minjiang, which began after Queensland Police found 40 kilograms of cocaine in waters near Midge Point in May 2026. This led authorities to the Londonderry property.

Sources

Information for this article was sourced from the Australian Federal Police media release, The Guardian Australia, ABC News, and BBC News.