Australian Federal Police (AFP) have seized over 2 tons of cocaine and arrested 13 people in what is being described as the largest cocaine bust in the country’s history. The operation resulted in the confiscation of 2.34 tons of cocaine, worth an estimated $760 million Australian dollars (494 million USD), which could have been sold in 11.7 million individual street-level deals.
The investigation, named Operation Tyrrendor, started in November following intelligence reports that a criminal group, linked to the notorious Comanchero outlaw motorcycle gang, was planning to smuggle drugs into Australia. Authorities tracked a newly acquired recreational fishing boat that met a larger mothership at sea to collect the drugs before heading back to Queensland.
On November 30, the fishing boat became stranded due to a suspected mechanical issue, prompting a coordinated response from the AFP and Queensland Police. Several suspects were arrested at sea and in the cities of Bundaberg and Brisbane.
“Investigations into the drugs’ origin are ongoing, and we will collaborate with both domestic and international law enforcement partners to identify the criminal syndicates involved,” AFP Commander Stephen Jay stated. “These arrests should serve as a warning to any syndicates planning to smuggle illicit substances into Australia.”
The arrested individuals, aged between 20 and 57, along with two juveniles, are believed to be part of the syndicate responsible for the drug importation. Among them is a key figure believed to be the vice-president of the Comanchero gang’s Brisbane chapter.
The Comanchero Motorcycle Club is reportedly linked to the Mexican Sinaloa Cartel, according to Insight Crime. In 2012, former DEA intelligence chief Rodney Benson identified the group as the primary Mexican supplier of illegal drugs to Australia.
All suspects face charges of conspiracy to import a commercial quantity of border-controlled drugs, with a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.