A major international drug smuggling operation has been uncovered after authorities discovered nearly 374kg of illicit drugs hidden inside a heavy-duty diesel generator at Sydney’s Port Botany.
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) and Australian Border Force (ABF) made the discovery in early 2026 after routine X-ray screening detected suspicious irregularities within a sea cargo shipment. The consignment, which travelled from Mexico through Malaysia, had been falsely declared as industrial machinery.
According to AFP Detective Acting Superintendent Stuart Kimbell, the seizure highlights the increasingly sophisticated tactics used by organised criminal groups involved in drug trafficking.
Following a detailed forensic examination that took nearly three days, investigators found a concealed compartment inside the generator containing 106 one-kilogram blocks of cocaine, an additional 14kg of cocaine in vacuum-sealed packaging, approximately 250kg of methamphetamine, 3kg of MDMA, and 800g of the synthetic drug 2CB.
The total quantity of seized drugs weighed approximately 373.8kg.
Authorities said criminal networks are increasingly using complex concealment methods, including hiding illicit substances within large industrial equipment, to avoid border detection.
Investigations are continuing as officials work to identify and dismantle the transnational network linked to the shipment.
Australian Border Force Superintendent Jared Leighton said the seizure demonstrates the effectiveness of coordinated law enforcement efforts.