Suspected cocaine seizure from cargo vessel in Sydney

On 27 May 2022, Australian Border Force (ABF) officers detected and seized 149kg of a substance, suspected to be cocaine, concealed on a cargo vessel at Port Botany in Sydney.

Upon arrival at Port Botany, the vessel was subject to inspection during which ABF officers located multiple bags containing slabs of white powder. Preliminary testing indicates the substance is cocaine.

ABF Commander Enforcement and Detained Goods East, Justin Bathurst, said the seizure demonstrates ABF’s commitment to protecting Australia’s borders and international ports.

“ABF officers patrol and protect roughly 37,000 kilometres of Australian coastline on a daily basis,” he said.

“This ensures the community is shielded from domestic and international criminal groups attempting to feed harmful substances onto our streets.

“A detection of this size demonstrates the resolve of the ABF, while also preventing an estimated $50 million dollars’ worth of illicit drugs from reaching the Australian community.”

As international passenger and cargo movements increase in line with the border reopening, the ABF has positioned more resources into high-risk areas throughout Australia and abroad.