Media Release
Far North QLD man first to be sentenced following 110kg cocaine import plot into Australia
Editor’s note: Images of the seizure and arrest are available via Hightail.
A Far North Queensland man was sentenced by Cairns Supreme Court on Tuesday (27 January, 2026) to five years’ imprisonment for possessing 110kg of cocaine, seized at Seisa Wharf.
The AFP arrested and charged the man, 41, in September, 2024, after linking him to the transfer of illicit drugs from a small boat docked at Seisia Wharf to a vehicle.
The Yorke Island man pleaded guilty to one count of possessing a commercial quantity of a border controlled drug, contrary to section 307.5 of the Criminal Code (Cth).
He has been in custody since September, 2024, and will be required to serve 22 months of his sentence before becoming eligible for parole in July, 2026.
Quotes attributable to AFP Detective Superintendent Adrian Telfer
“The AFP, alongside our partners, are committed to defending Australia from drug trafficking and disrupting criminals attempting to import illicit substances into our country,” Det Supt Telfer said.
“Criminal syndicates are driven purely by greed and profit, at the expense of the Australian community.
“This amount of cocaine, had it reached the Australian community, had an estimated street value of about $36 million, with the potential for about 550,000 street-level deals.”
Note to media
Media are encouraged to include help-seeking information in stories about illicit drugs to minimise any negative impact on people in the community. The following services provide people with access to support and information.
- For free and confidential advice about alcohol and other drug treatment services call the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline on 1800 250 015.
- Access free 24/7 drug and alcohol counselling.
- For information about drug and alcohol addiction treatment or support, go to the Turning Point website.
