Australian authorities uncovered a massive shipment of illicit drugs concealed inside industrial machinery after a three-day search operation.
The incident dates back to earlier this year when officials intercepted a shipment carrying 373kg of cocaine, methamphetamine, MDMA, and other illegal substances at Port Botany in Sydney. The details of the operation were made public today.
The investigation began after officers from the Australian Border Force detected suspicious irregularities during a routine inspection of a heavy-duty diesel generator that had been shipped from Mexico through Malaysia.
Specialists from the Australian Federal Police (AFP) spent three days carefully dismantling the machinery before discovering the hidden drugs. The seizure included 106 blocks of cocaine, 50kg of methamphetamine packed in white plastic bags, and 3kg of MDMA, commonly known as ecstasy.
The AFP has seized the drugs and launched an investigation into the criminal network believed to be behind the smuggling attempt.
Detective Acting Superintendent Stuart Kimbell said authorities are seeking information from anyone who may have been approached to store generators or provide technical assistance.
“This mixed shipment of illicit drugs was likely intended for multiple criminal groups and communities,” Kimbell said.
“Despite the sophisticated efforts to conceal these drugs, coordinated law enforcement action ensured they never reached Australian streets.”