The Australian Federal Police (AFP) has made significant progress in a major cocaine seizure investigation, resulting in the charging of two men with importing a commercial quantity of the illicit drug. The investigation led to the seizure of a staggering 247kg of cocaine from a yacht moored in Townsville.
The two men, aged 55 and 44 and both residents of Griffith in the ACT, were apprehended on Thursday, July 20, 2023, at their apartment. According to police reports, one of the men allegedly threw a backpack containing $290,000 in cash, found in a vacuum-sealed bag, from the apartment balcony when the AFP arrived with a search warrant. Authorities suspect the money to be proceeds of crime.
The investigation points to the involvement of the arrested individuals in a scheme to retrieve a substantial quantity of cocaine hidden within the hull of the yacht. The yacht had arrived in Townsville in April after a voyage from Vanuatu. Despite an initial thorough search at sea, officers still perceived the vessel as a potential threat and detained it in port for 90 days to continue investigations.
Upon removing the yacht from the water, officers from the Australian Border Force (ABF) and AFP discovered minor anomalies in the hull, which led to the discovery and subsequent seizure of 247kg of cocaine concealed in enclosed sections.
Investigations into the seized drugs are still ongoing, but the AFP’s relentless pursuit of justice has already led to charges being laid against the two men. Both appeared in the ACT Magistrates Court on Friday, July 21, before being extradited to Brisbane on Saturday, July 22.
The 55-year-old Griffith man faces charges of importing a commercial quantity of a border-controlled drug, dealing in the proceeds of crime valued at $100,000 or more, and failing to comply with an order made under the Crimes Act 1914 (Cth). The other 44-year-old Griffith man is charged with importing a commercial quantity of a border-controlled drug and dealing in the proceeds of crime also valued at $100,000 or more. These offences carry a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
AFP Detective Superintendent Adrian Telfer emphasised the destructive impact of the cocaine trade on Australian streets and its contribution to the empowerment of organised crime. He highlighted that the estimated street value of the seized cocaine is a staggering $61,750,000, a sum that would fund illegal activities and violence perpetrated by criminal groups.
AFP and their partners, including the Queensland Joint Organised Crime Task Force (QJOCTF), are committed to curbing the influx of illicit drugs into the country and thwarting the activities of organised crime syndicates. With the investigation still ongoing, authorities do not rule out the possibility of additional arrests in the future.
ABF Commander James Copeman commended the seamless cooperation between Australian law enforcement agencies, emphasising their collective dedication to safeguarding the community from the destructive impact of illicit drugs.
Queensland Police Service Chief Superintendent Craig Morrow underscored the importance of joint operations in detecting, disrupting, and deterring the illegal drug trade, a top priority for all law enforcement agencies. The efforts are aimed at preventing drugs from entering Australian communities and causing harm to individuals and families.
