Over a Ton of Cocaine Seized Off Australian Coast in $500 Million Drug Bust

Australian authorities have intercepted one of the country’s largest cocaine hauls, seizing over a ton of the illicit drug from a boat off the coast of New South Wales. The stash, valued at nearly half a billion dollars, was uncovered following a joint operation between the New South Wales Police Force and the Australian Federal Police (AFP).

According to officials, the investigation began after a “suspicious purchase” of a 43-foot-long motor cruiser paid for entirely in cash in Sydney’s Sutherland Shire on April 28. Acting on that intelligence, law enforcement tracked the vessel and executed a high-stakes maritime operation, eventually boarding the boat off the coast.

Authorities discovered approximately 1,110 blocks of cocaine on board, weighing a staggering 1.039 tons. Five individuals have been arrested and charged by the Organised Crime Squad in connection with the trafficking attempt.

“This is a significant disruption of a major transnational criminal network,” police stated. “Seizing more than a tonne of cocaine before it reached our streets is a critical win in protecting the community.”

The investigation remains ongoing as officials work to trace the origins and intended distribution network behind the massive shipment.