Australian authorities have announced what they described as the country’s “largest ever” cocaine seizure after uncovering 2.7 tonnes of the illicit drug in western Sydney.
The operation was revealed on Monday by the Australian Federal Police, marking a significant breakthrough in efforts to combat large-scale drug trafficking.
Investigators said the cocaine, estimated to have a street value of 816 million Australian dollars (US$571 million), was discovered at a property in Londonderry.
The drugs were allegedly concealed within a sophisticated underground bunker network designed to evade detection.
Police said the stash was hidden beneath false flooring installed inside three shipping containers located at the rear of the property.
The elaborate concealment system was uncovered during an extensive investigation into the suspected importation operation.
According to authorities, the haul represents the “largest ever” cocaine seizure in Australia and could have supplied approximately three million street-level transactions had it reached the market.
The discovery followed a month-long joint investigation involving the Australian Federal Police and Queensland Police. The probe began after officers responding to a truck fire at a boat ramp in Midge Point noticed around 40 kilograms (88 pounds) of cocaine floating in nearby waters.
Police believe the blaze was deliberately set in an effort to destroy evidence linked to the drug importation scheme.
Several individuals have since been charged in connection with the alleged operation.
Authorities confirmed that the accused persons remain before the courts as legal proceedings continue.
