Two men who attempted to import 1.4 tonnes of cocaine into Australia in 2017 have been sentenced to life in prison.
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) investigation, that resulted in the largest ever seizure of the prohibited drug in Australia, began in 2014 and was supported by the New Zealand Customs Service (NZCS), the New Zealand Police National Organised Crime Group (NOCG), the Fijian Transnational Crime Unit, French Polynesian authorities and Australian Border Force (ABF).
The AFP said the seizure was the largest single cocaine shipment in Australian history, with an estimated street value in excess of $300 million.
Commander of Investigations Northern Command, AFP, Andrew Donoghoe said the operation showed the importance of international cooperation in preventing border-controlled drugs reaching the Australian community.
“The AFP and our partners are committed to protecting the Australian community from the harm caused by transnational serious and organised crime,” Commander Donoghoe said.
“This investigation is a testament to the dedication, patience and resilience of our investigative teams, over a number of years.”
Two other men involved in the importation were also sentenced to at least 16 years behind bars.
The AFP said the group sailed from New Zealand to a “mother ship” in the South Pacific Ocean to collect the cocaine, before boarding a smaller vessel headed for the south coast of NSW.
The boat was intercepted by HMAS Bathurst before it reached shore, with Maritime Border Command (MBC) officers boarding the vessel at sea.
