Editor’s Note: Images of the seized cocaine are available via hightail.

AFP investigators are seeking information about 130 kilograms of cocaine seized from a cargo shipping container at Sydney’s Port Botany.

The container was on board the Spirit of Sydney which arrived in Sydney on 28 May 2022. It left the Netherlands and transited through Panama before reaching Australia.

On its arrival in Sydney, Australian Border Force (ABF) officers x-rayed the shipping container and found anomalies. Four bags filled with blocks containing a white substance were discovered. The blocks returned a presumptive positive result for cocaine.

The estimated street value of the cocaine is $52 million.

The AFP estimates this seizure has saved the community more than $83 million in drug-related harm, including associated crime, healthcare and loss of productivity.

“AFP investigators are following every lead to track the origins of the cocaine and work with our international partners to identify the organised crime syndicate behind this importation,” AFP Detective Inspector Wilson said.

“We are certain there are people in Australia who know something about this shipment, either as the receiver or future distributer. By now, these people might be concerned that their drugs have not arrived.

“Anyone with information about this importation is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via the Crime Stoppers website. You can report information anonymously.”

ABF Acting Commander Elke West said the seizure was an example of law enforcement agencies working together to combat serious organised crime.

“ABF officers are experts at detecting illicit drugs and can pick up any concealment, however clever criminals believe it is,” A/g Commander West said.

“ABF takes all community information seriously, we are determined to track down the criminals who are behind this importation. Anybody who has any information please come forward."

“The ABF is committed to protecting the community from harmful drugs and we work closely with our law enforcement partners to prevent these drugs getting through the Australian border.”

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 online at counsellingonline.org.au.
• For information about drug and alcohol addiction treatment or support, go to turningpoint.org.au.

Media enquiries

AFP National Media: (02) 5126 9297

ABF Media: (02) 6264 2211

Connect with the AFP: Follow our Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube pages to learn more about what the AFP does to keep Australia safe.