Largest cocaine haul ever in Australia, 2.7 tons of drugs seized from underground bunkers

June 22, 2026

Australian authorities have seized 2.7 tons of cocaine from underground bunkers beneath shipping containers at a property near Sydney, making the largest cocaine haul in the country’s history. Police claim the haul was linked to an organized international drug trafficking network operating on Australia’s east coast.

This record haul occurred during a raid on a semi-rural property in Londonderry, near western Sydney. The operation was conducted under Operation Minjiang, led by the Queensland Joint Organized Crime Task Force (QJOCTF).

Cocaine hidden beneath false flooring

The Australian Federal Police (AFP) carried out the operation under a search warrant on June 19. During the investigation, three shipping containers behind the premises were searched, where officers discovered cocaine hidden in plastic tubs in underground bunkers under false floors.

According to police, two suspects, aged 21 and 25, attempted to flee the scene on foot during the raid but were arrested.

Both have been charged with illegally possessing a commercial quantity of a prohibited drug, a crime punishable by up to life imprisonment in Australia. Both suspects have been remanded in custody after appearing in court, and their next hearing will be held in August.

Investigation of a Burnt Truck Unravels the Case

The investigation began in May when Queensland Police received information about a burned-out flatbed truck in the Midge Point area. During the investigation, 40 kilograms of cocaine was recovered from a nearby seabed.

Following this, police identified the truck owner and conducted raids at several locations in Queensland and Sydney. Investigators believe the cocaine seized in Londonderry was first smuggled into Australia near Midge Point in North Queensland and then transported to Sydney.

Over Three Tonnes of Drugs Seized

Operation Minjiang previously seized 178 kilograms of cocaine and 142 kilograms of methamphetamine. With this latest seizure, the total amount of drugs seized has exceeded three tons.

According to the Australian Federal Police, the 2.7 tons of cocaine seized has an estimated street value of A$816 million, equivalent to approximately three million street-level drug deals.

Multiple Arrests, Investigation into International Connections Continues

Police said six people have already been arrested and charged in this case. A 32-year-old man and a 32-year-old woman from the Petrie region of Queensland have also been charged with conspiracy to possess commercial quantities of drugs.

A 24-year-old New South Wales resident has also been arrested and brought to Queensland. He is accused of assisting in the transportation and storage of the drugs.

Investigative agencies are now investigating this entire network and the origin of the drugs. The ship MV Wealth, allegedly linked to this case, is currently detained in the Solomon Islands and its role is being investigated.

Authorities Issue Stern Warning

AFP Commander Stephen Jay said this case demonstrates the lengths criminal organizations will go to for profit. He stated that the investigation is ongoing and, in collaboration with international agencies, the entire network will be exposed.

Officials stated that this action is an example of strong coordination between state and federal agencies, and similar strict action against drug trafficking will continue in the future.