Australian authorities have confiscated 2.7 metric tons of cocaine in western Sydney, marking the largest drug seizure in the country’s history. The drugs, valued at approximately £433 million, were discovered hidden beneath false floors in three shipping containers at a property in Londonderry. Two individuals, aged 21 and 25, were apprehended and charged with possession of a significant quantity of an illicitly imported border-controlled substance.
Law enforcement officials revealed that the cocaine was illegally brought into Australia through Midge Point in North Queensland by an organized crime syndicate. The seizure took place during a search at a rural property in Londonderry, where the massive quantity of cocaine was found concealed in underground bunkers beneath falsified container floors.
The arrested individuals faced charges under the Criminal Code (Cth) for possessing a commercial quantity of an unlawfully imported border-controlled drug, which carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. They appeared in court and were remanded in custody, with the next hearing scheduled for August 13, 2026, at Penrith Local Court.
Authorities allege that the seized cocaine was imported near Midge Point and transported to Sydney at the request of a criminal group based in the city. The investigations into this syndicate are ongoing.
The operation, dubbed Minjiang, was initiated in May 2026 after Queensland Police discovered 40kg of cocaine off a boat ramp at Midge Point following reports of a burnt-out truck. Subsequently, six more individuals in Queensland and New South Wales were arrested and charged in connection with the case.
AFP Commander Stephen Jay commended the efforts of investigators and law enforcement partners in dismantling the criminal network and protecting the community from the dangers posed by illicit drugs. He emphasized the extreme measures taken by criminals to smuggle drugs into Australia and stressed the importance of collaborative efforts to combat such criminal activities.
Investigations into the origin of the drugs are ongoing, with a focus on identifying the criminal syndicates and individuals involved in the attempted drug importation scheme.