POLICE discovered about 130 kilograms of cocaine secreted in a container on the Spirit of Sydney after it arrived at Port Botany on 28 May.
Australian Federal Police are now seeking information about the importation.
The 3630-TEU Spirit of Sydney left the Netherlands and transited the Panama Canal before arriving in Sydney.
When it arrived, Australian Border Force officers x-rayed the shipping container and found anomalies. Four bags filled with blocks containing a white substance were discovered. The blocks returned a presumptive positive result for cocaine.
ABF Acting Commander Elke West said the seizure was an example of law enforcement agencies working together to combat serious organised crime.
“ABF officers are experts at detecting illicit drugs and can pick up any concealment, however clever criminals believe it is,” A/g Commander West said.
”ABF takes all community information seriously, we are determined to track down the criminals who are behind this importation. Anybody who has any information please come forward.
“The ABF is committed to protecting the community from harmful drugs and we work closely with our law enforcement partners to prevent these drugs getting through the Australian border.”
AFP Detective Inspector Wilson said investigators are following “every lead” to track the origins of the cocaine and work with the AFP’s international partners to identify the organised crime syndicate behind this importation.
“We are certain there are people in Australia who know something about this shipment, either as the receiver or future distributer. By now, these people might be concerned that their drugs have not arrived,” Detective Inspector Wilson said.
“Anyone with information about this importation is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via the Crime Stoppers website. You can report information anonymously.”
