Australian and Chilean police have busted an attempt to smuggle a shipment of cocaine hidden within mining equipment into Australia. Five men have been arrested, including two from western Sydney.
Earlier this month, investigators in Chile discovered 36 kilograms of cocaine worth $11.7 million packed within two pieces of mining gear bound for Sydney.
Chilean police removed the cocaine and alerted the Australian Federal Police before allowing the shipment to continue to Australia, where AFP officers allegedly saw a 26-year-old Sydney man pick up the equipment and take it to a house in St Mary’s.
Officers heard drilling and grinding coming from the home as the man allegedly attempted to cut into the equipment and extract the cocaine.
International organised crime operation ended with five arrested in two countries and 36kg of cocaine seized in Chile.Credit: AFP
An international organised crime operation has seen five arrested and 36kg of cocaine seized in Chile after an attempt to smuggle a shipment of cocaine hidden within mining equipment into Australia.Credit: AFP
The AFP arrested the man and another 37-year-old at the home and allegedly found sledgehammers, cutting discs and angle grinders meant for cutting into the equipment.
Both men were charged with attempting to possess and import a commercial quantity of a border-controlled drug. The maximum penalty is life in prison.
In Chile, the AFP provided evidence that helped lead to the arrest of three men in the Coquimbo Region for their role in the alleged scheme.
AFP Commander Katy Ferry said the international sting was a warning to “anyone lured in by the false promises of riches from drug importations”.
“These offences carry the potential of life in jail both in Australia and offshore,” Ferry said.
“Through these partnerships in Australia and around the world, we are making significant strides in disrupting serious organised crime networks and their illicit drug routes.”
Read the full article here
