The Australian Federal Police (AFP) have seized a record 2.7 tonnes of cocaine in what authorities describe as the largest cocaine bust in Australia’s history. The operation is believed to be linked to an organised crime network attempting to import and distribute drugs along Australia’s east coast.
The seizure forms part of Operation Minjiang, a Queensland Joint Organised Crime Taskforce investigation that has now intercepted more than three tonnes of illicit drugs, including an earlier haul of 178 kilograms of cocaine and 142 kilograms of methamphetamine.
AFP Commander Stephen Jay said the operation highlighted the scale and sophistication of criminal syndicates involved in drug trafficking.
“Criminal networks go to extreme lengths to smuggle drugs into Australia with no regard for the harm they cause to Australian communities,” Commander Jay said. “This alleged plot to distribute nearly three tonnes of cocaine demonstrates how highly organised and determined these criminal networks are.”
On 19 June 2026, AFP investigators executed a search warrant at a semi-rural property in Londonderry, near western Sydney, where they allegedly uncovered the massive shipment hidden in underground bunkers.
Police allege two men, aged 21 and 25, attempted to flee on foot when officers arrived but were quickly arrested. During the search of three shipping containers, investigators allegedly discovered plastic tubs containing 2.7 tonnes of cocaine concealed beneath false container floors.
Authorities estimate the drugs would have had a street value of approximately $816 million and could have resulted in around three million individual drug deals if distributed throughout the community.
The two men have each been charged with possessing a commercial quantity of an unlawfully imported border-controlled drug, an offence that carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. They appeared before a NSW Local Court on 20 June 2026 and were remanded in custody. Their next court appearance is scheduled for 13 August 2026 at Penrith Local Court.
Investigators allege the cocaine was imported into Australia near Midge Point in North Queensland before being transported to Sydney on behalf of an organised crime group. Inquiries into the wider criminal network remain ongoing.
Operation Minjiang began in May 2026 after Queensland Police discovered 40 kilograms of cocaine floating near a boat ramp at Midge Point while responding to reports of a burnt-out flatbed truck.
The investigation led officers to a 41-year-old man from Mackay, believed to be connected to the vehicle, prompting a series of search warrants across Queensland and Sydney.
Several other people have since been charged in connection with the alleged drug importation and distribution scheme. Among them are a 32-year-old man and a 32-year-old woman from Petrie, both charged with attempting to possess a commercial quantity of a border-controlled drug. Police allege the woman lived at a suspected safehouse linked to the operation and assisted in storing the drugs.
A 24-year-old man from Green Valley has also been charged after being extradited from New South Wales to Queensland. Authorities allege he travelled to Midge Point in May and helped facilitate the collection and transportation of the drugs.
Meanwhile, the alleged mother vessel connected to the importation, the MV Wealth, remains detained in the Solomon Islands as investigations continue.
Queensland Police Crime Command Detective Acting Chief Superintendent Troy Pukallus praised the cooperation between state and federal agencies, saying the operation had removed a significant quantity of dangerous drugs from the streets.
“This outcome has removed a significant quantity of cocaine and methamphetamine from the criminal market and prevented these dangerous drugs from causing further harm across Australia,” he said.
Australian Border Force Commander Troy Sokoloff said the result should serve as a warning to organised crime groups.
“Criminal syndicates should be on notice — law enforcement agencies are working together to detect, target and disrupt their operations,” he said.
Operation Minjiang involves the AFP, Queensland Police Service, Australian Border Force, Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission, AUSTRAC and the Australian Taxation Office, with assistance from NSW Police.