News Mega Merged Drug Bust Thread v. "Drug Wars" a Bust

[poledriver]

Ketamine middlemen nabbed with 2kg of drug in car

KUALA LUMPUR: Two suspected middlemen in a ketamine distribution ring were arrested with 2kg of the drug found in their car.

City police chief Comm Datuk Mazlan Lazim said the suspects, aged 25 and 41, were arrested on Oct 30 by a team of City Narcotic Crime Investigation Department near Jalan Gunung Semanggol.

"We found about 2kg of white powder believed to be ketamine in the car they were travelling in.

"We believe the two were middlemen who recieved RM5,000 each time they distribute the drugs to small time suppliers in the city," he told reporters on Friday (Nov 3).

"We are working on finding the people who fired these two men to distribute the drugs.

"One of the suspects has four records for drug-related crimes," he said.

On another case, Comm Mazlan said a man was arrested in Jalan Wangsa Perdana with 236grams of heroin on Thursday (Nov 2).

"We found 150 packets containing the drugs on him," he said adding that the suspect was believed to be supplying the drugs within the Klang Valley.

http://www.thestar.com.my/news/nati...-with-2kg-of-drug-in-car/#azeI7iiracfAe0dw.99

 

[poledriver]

Colombia seizes largest cocaine haul in country's history

Police have seized 10.8 tonnes of cocaine from Colombia's top crime gang, the biggest haul ever in the nation's long-running fight against drug trafficking.

The cocaine — with a US market value estimated by Santos at about of $US360 million ($470 million) — was found stored underground on four farms in a banana-growing region of north-west Antioquia province near Colombia's border with Panama.

"Thanks to a police operation with overseas intelligence, from friendly countries, the largest seizure in history was made," President Juan Manuel Santos said at a police base where the cocaine was laid out in packages on display.

He linked the cocaine to the drug-trafficking gang known as the Gulf Clan, which has become one of the biggest threats to security since peace was signed last year with Marxist-led Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) guerrillas.

The seizure comes as the United States, Colombia's staunchest ally in the fight against drug trafficking, has raised concern over an increase in coca cultivation and as the government faces criticism from opposition politicians for allowing new crime gangs to fill the void left by the FARC.

Mr Santos, who leaves office next year, has pledged to send 80,000 military and police to areas once controlled by the FARC in a bid to prevent new trafficking gangs from taking hold.

Four people were arrested during the three-day operation leading to the drug seizure, according to a police statement.

The Gulf Clan is led by fugitive Dairo Antonio Usuga, known as Otoniel — the United States has offered a reward of up to $US5 million ($6.5 million) for information leading to his capture or death.

In addition to drugs, the gang deals in illegal mining and most if its estimated 1,500 members formerly served in the ranks of right-wing paramilitary groups.

Colombia is one of the world's leading producers of cocaine, with output of around 825 tonnes per year, according to the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) — anti-drug police have confiscated 328 tonnes of cocaine this year.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-11-09/colombia-seizes-10-tonnes-of-cocaine-biggest-haul-ever/9133822

 

[Jabberwocky]

Colombia seizes largest cocaine haul in country's history

Police have seized 10.8 tonnes of cocaine from Colombia's top crime gang, the biggest haul ever in the nation's long-running fight against drug trafficking.

The cocaine — with a US market value estimated by Santos at about of $US360 million ($470 million) — was found stored underground on four farms in a banana-growing region of north-west Antioquia province near Colombia's border with Panama.

"Thanks to a police operation with overseas intelligence, from friendly countries, the largest seizure in history was made," President Juan Manuel Santos said at a police base where the cocaine was laid out in packages on display.

He linked the cocaine to the drug-trafficking gang known as the Gulf Clan, which has become one of the biggest threats to security since peace was signed last year with Marxist-led Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) guerrillas.

The seizure comes as the United States, Colombia's staunchest ally in the fight against drug trafficking, has raised concern over an increase in coca cultivation and as the government faces criticism from opposition politicians for allowing new crime gangs to fill the void left by the FARC.

Mr Santos, who leaves office next year, has pledged to send 80,000 military and police to areas once controlled by the FARC in a bid to prevent new trafficking gangs from taking hold.

Four people were arrested during the three-day operation leading to the drug seizure, according to a police statement.

The Gulf Clan is led by fugitive Dairo Antonio Usuga, known as Otoniel — the United States has offered a reward of up to $US5 million ($6.5 million) for information leading to his capture or death.

In addition to drugs, the gang deals in illegal mining and most if its estimated 1,500 members formerly served in the ranks of right-wing paramilitary groups.

Colombia is one of the world's leading producers of cocaine, with output of around 825 tonnes per year, according to the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) — anti-drug police have confiscated 328 tonnes of cocaine this year.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-11-09/colombia-seizes-10-tonnes-of-cocaine-biggest-haul-ever/9133822

 

[poledriver]

Police seize $6.3 million worth of cocaine in 20kg drug bust

Two men have been charged after New South Wales police and customs seized more than 20kg of cocaine worth an estimated $6.3 million.

During an investigation into international drug trafficking that began in September, Australian Border Force inspected a consignment from Spain, in which they discovered 21kg of cocaine concealed in tiles.

Investigators arrested a 35-year-old man at Warrawong and a 30-year-old man at a wrecking yard at Dapto last week.

State Crime Command's drug squad commander, Detective Superintendent Tony Cooke, says despite large seizures of cocaine at the border and beyond, demand remains high.

"Over the past 12 months, NSW Police Force, with the assistance of our law enforcement partners, have seized tonnes of cocaine destined for the streets of New South Wales, but organised criminal groups continue to be motivated by an unwavering demand," Det Supt Cooke said.

"According to wastewater analysis in 2016, NSW has almost double the consumption of cocaine, compared to the next highest state, in terms of doses consumed per day – and this is the most important issue to be addressed."

The two men were refused bail in Wollongong Local Court on Saturday, where they appeared on various drug and firearm offences. They are due to reappear at the same court on Wednesday.

https://www.9news.com.au/national/2...-cocaine-in-20kg-drug-bust?ocid=Social-9NewsS

 

[Jabberwocky]

Police 'follow the money' in laundering case and 'bust cocaine supply ring'

NSW Police say officers 'following the money' as part of a money-laundering investigation have helped dismantle a cocaine supply ring operating in Sydney.

Three men were arrested and charged last week over their alleged roles in a criminal syndicate as part of Strike Force Bugam, a joint investigation between the NSW Police organised crime squad and officers from the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission, into international money laundering syndicates operating in Sydney.

It brings to 18 the total number of arrests by the strike force since its inception in June last year.

The latest busts came after investigators looking into cross-border money laundering identified an alleged cocaine supply syndicate, trafficking cocaine from Thailand. The drug syndicates were uncovered as various transactions were traced through the money laundering process.

Police executed six search warrants across Sydney last week, including in Dee Why, Five Dock, Lidcombe, Milperra, Padstow and Panania. The dawn raids uncovered a stash of cash, steroids, fireworks, documentation, phones, white powder believed to be cocaine and a stolen boat.

?Michael Tadros, a 22-year-old man, was arrested at a Dee Why home unit and taken to Manly Police Station, where he was charged with knowingly directing activities of a criminal group, as well as drugs charges and knowingly dealing with the proceeds of crime.

He appeared at Manly Local Court, where he was formally refused bail.

Two other men, a 22-year-old from Lidcome and a 42-year-old from Milperra were also arrested and charged with participating in a criminal group. The 22-year-old was also charged with dealing with the property proceeds of crime-greater than $100,000, and knowingly deal with proceeds of crime. Both received bail.

Organised Crime Squad Commander, Detective Superintendent Scott Cook, said Strike Force Bugam has proven that 'following the money' is an effective tactic when investigating organised criminal activity.

"Throughout this investigation, strike force officers have traced financial transactions and unravelled three criminal groups allegedly dealing in various aspects of illegitimate business," Superintendent Cook said.

"By focusing on the cash or other proceeds of crime, we are hitting them where it hurts most - profit."

ACIC NSW state manager Warren Gray said serious and organised crime is growing in sophistication and adopting new and advanced technologies, making "following the money" central to investigations.

In total, Strike Force Bugam investigators have dismantled three criminal syndicates, with the arrest of 18 people and charges relating to 117 offences, including import and supply of drugs, directing and participating in criminal groups, dealing with proceeds of crime, vehicle re-birthing, and money laundering.

Since 2016, the operation has seized more than 12 kilograms of cocaine, six kilograms of ice, 1000 MDMA tablets, seven illegal firearms and $1.7 million.

The money laundering operation has allegedly been directed by a 40-year-old woman,Thi Lan Phuong Pham, who was arrested in January attempting to board a flight to Vietnam, where she and her family own or have interests in multiple luxury hotels.

Police allege she controlled operations from Vietnam by co-ordinating people in Australia to collect large sums of money through clandestine exchanges before laundering the money through methods including depositing money in Australian bank accounts that she nominates, ensuring it is structured in non-reportable amounts under $10,000.

It's alleged she was recruiting Australian-based representatives, training them how to launder money, and had control in the transactions in which they were involved.

It is alleged that over a number of years, she has been involved in the laundering of millions of dollars on behalf of organised crime groups, money suspected to have been derived through crime.

One 49-year-old man arrested as part of the operation last year was stopped at Sydney airport. Police allege the man had 111 pellets containing cocaine, weighing 1.1kg, "secreted" in his body.


Source: http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/police-fo...bust-cocaine-supply-ring-20171112-gzjnzp.html

 

[poledriver]

Australian Federal Police

33 mins ·

Finally, a drug bust we don’t need to fish out of the toilet!

A 37-year-old Brazilian man has been arrested after he was allegedly detected with 5kg of cocaine. Australian Border Force officers located the drugs which were hidden inside the lining of his suitcase.

The man was arrested by our officers and charged with one count of importing a commercial quantity of a border controlled drug. He is facing 25 years in prison.

NSFW:

 

[Jabberwocky]

Alleged drug smuggling syndicate smashed as cocaine found in yacht

AN alleged drug smuggling syndicate has been smashed after a cocaine-filled yacht was intercepted at Lake Macquarie.

Three men have been charged after a multi-agency into international drug trafficking by sea.

In August, investigators from the NSW Police Force State Crime Command’s Organised Crime Squad, Australian Federal Police, and the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission commenced a joint investigation into the importation of cocaine by private vessels.

The investigation has also been assisted by the Australian Border Force.

The investigation led to the interception of a yacht at Toronto on Wednesday where at least half a tonne of cocaine was found concealed in the yacht’s hull. The yacht had sailed from Tahitit.

Three men were arrested and charged over the alleged importation. They were refused bail to appear at Newcastle Local Court today.


Source: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/ne...t/news-story/3b02e43942670f465c228e5a572ada76

 

[poledriver]

From Tahiti to Toronto...
A yacht concealing approximately 700kg of cocaine has been seized in a multi-agency investigation with our partners NSW Police Force and the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission.
It sailed across the Pacific and docked into Lake Macquarie, NSW, this week where police were ready and waiting.
Three people were arrested in connection with this alleged drug importation attempt - they've all been refused bail in court today.
The drugs are still being deconstructed and weighed by forensics experts, but if they made it onto the streets it's believed they could have fetched about $245 million.

NSFW:

 

[Jabberwocky]

Three charged over $33m drug bust in WA

A man who died in custody this week was arrested during raids in Perth in which police seized about $33 million worth of drugs.

The raids recovered 32kg of methylamphetamine, 1.8kg of cocaine, 300g of MDMA, three guns and more than $850,000 cash.

Detectives investigating a suspected criminal network on Monday raided several properties in City Beach, West Leederville, Gnangara, Applecross, Madeley, Dayton and Ascot.

Assistant Commissioner Michelle Fyfe revealed on Wednesday that a 27-year-old man was arrested in Ascot, became ill and died in hospital. She said he had not been tasered.

Police had revealed the death on Tuesday but did not disclose details of the raids at the time.

Assistant Commissioner Fyfe said Homicide Squad detectives and the Internal Affairs Unit were investigating it as a death in custody.

'Because it is being investigated on behalf of the coroner there is nothing more that I can say,' she told reporters.

Police said the drugs had an estimated street value of more than $33 million.

In its sale form, the meth represents 320,000 hits of the drug.

Three other men have been charged with a total of 21 offences including possessing an unlicensed firearm, possessing stolen property and possessing prohibited drugs with intent to sell or supply.

Two of the men, aged 23 and 27, appeared in Perth Magistrates Court on Tuesday and had their cases adjourned until next week.

Another 27-year-old man appeared in the same court and had his case adjourned until December.

Source: http://www.skynews.com.au/news/national/wa/2017/11/16/three-charged-over--33m-drug-bust-in-wa.html

 

[Jabberwocky]

Ascot man who died after arrest connected to massive Perth drug bust

The Ascot home of a man who died in custody on Tuesday was part of a series of raids across Perth, uncovering more than 30 kilograms of methamphetamine, several firearms and more than $800,000 cash, WA Police say.

Organised Crime Squad detectives have charged three people over the massive haul of drugs.

Assistant Police Commissioner Michelle Fyfe spoke to reporters on Wednesday, and confirmed a 27-year-old man who died in custody was believed to be connected to a suspected drug syndicate.

Some steroids were seized at the man's home and she said she did not believe the man had been Tasered or that there had been a physical altercation during his arrest.

"You will be aware that one of those search warrants was on Fauntleroy Street on Ascot," she said.

"At that property, a 27-year-old male was arrested. He fell ill, was conveyed to hospital and later died.

"Detectives from the Homicide Squad and Internal Affairs Unit are investigating that incident on behalf of the coroner and it will be treated as a death in custody.

"Because it is being investigated on behalf of the coroner, there is nothing more I can say in regards to that incident.

Search warrants were carried out in City Beach, West Leederville, Gnangara, Applecross, Madeley, Dayton and Ascot.

It is understood the street value of the methamphetamine seized by police would have been around $33 million.

"I don't need to spell out the destructive nature of methamphetamine and what effect it's having on our community," she said.

"Preventing 320,000 hits of meth from reaching our streets is a great outcome for the people of Western Australia.

"Our job doesn't stop, the fight against this doesn't end."
Organised Crime Squad detectives have charged three people over the massive haul of drugs.

Police say the raids were carried out as part of an "investigation into a suspected established criminal network and they will allege large amounts of drugs and other items were found during the City Beach, West Leederville and Gnangara search warrants.

Among the items found were:

- Approximately 32kg of methamphetamine

- Approximately 1.8kg of cocaine

- Approximately 300g of MDMA

- Three firearms and ammunition; and

- Over $800,000 cash

Approximately $50,000 cash was also found at the Dayton address.

A 27-year-old man from Dayton has been charged with a range of drug and weapons offences including four counts of possess a prohibited drug with intent to sell or supply, possess a prohibited drug with intent to sell or supply and possess a firearm in circumstances of aggravation

A 23-year-old man from Applecross has also been charged.

He too is facing multiple counts of possess a prohibited drug with intent to sell or supply, possession of stolen or unlawfully obtained property and possess unlicensed firearm/ammunition.

Both men were refused bail and appeared in the Perth Magistrates Court on Tuesday.

They are due to face court again next week.

A 27-year-old man from West Leederville has also been charged in connection to the police operation.

He is facing possess a prohibited drug with intent to sell or supply and possession of stolen or unlawfully obtained property charges.

He was refused bail and appeared in the Perth Magistrates Court on Tuesday. He will appear again next month.


Source: http://www.watoday.com.au/wa-news/m...ice-found-in-perth-raids-20171115-gzm3a2.html

 

[Jabberwocky]

Police seize $1 million worth of ecstasy 'bound for Schoolies'

Police have arrested two people after seizing 24,000 ecstasy tablets with a street value of $1 million potentially bound for Schoolies celebrations on the Gold Coast.

Queensland detectives executed a search warrant about 3pm yesterday afternoon at a property in Albion, in Brisbane’s inner north-east.

Officers located five large plastic bags containing 7.3kg of pills believed to contain MDMA.

A 28-year-old woman and a 27-year-old man were taken into custody. Both have been charged with possession of dangerous drugs.

They are both due to front Brisbane Magistrates Court today.

Detective Inspector Glen Farmer of the City Valley Crime Group said police were alarmed by the size of the seizure.

"With Schoolies starting on the weekend the arrest of two people and the removal a significant amount of dangerous drugs from circulation helps make for a safer community," Detective Inspector Farmer said.


Source: https://www.9news.com.au/national/2...th-of-ecstasy-potentially-bound-for-schoolies

 

[Boku_]

Can someone tell me why there isn't more new articles posted on this thread about drug busts in European places like England Germany Holland Spain etc. Is there a separate thread or section else where on BL with European busts?

 

[S.J.B.]

Can someone tell me why there isn't more new articles posted on this thread about drug busts in European places like England Germany Holland Spain etc. Is there a separate thread or section else where on BL with European busts?

We simply don't have many frequent contributors who are European. People tend to post stories from their country or region because that's what they come across in the news. We would certainly like to see more European articles posted here, if you come across them!

 

[Jabberwocky]

Greek model arrested at Hong Kong airport with cocaine worth HK$2.4 million

Young woman is the fourth to be arrested by customs officers with the drug in the space of a week

A 19-year-old Greek model was arrested at Hong Kong International Airport on Monday after cocaine with an estimated street value of HK$2.4 million was found in her rucksack.

The woman was the fourth female visitor arrested by airport customs officers for attempting to smuggle cocaine into the city in a week, according to Hong Kong Customs.

Customs officers picked up the other three women at the airport and seized more than HK$5 million worth of cocaine in three separate cases between Tuesday and Friday last week.

“We believe the [seized drugs] were for local consumption. It is possible drug dealers tried to stock up on illegal drugs ahead of festive season,” a source with the knowledge of the investigation said.

He said customs officers were still investigating whether the four women were recruited by the same drug trafficking syndicate to smuggle cocaine into Hong Kong.

The latest seizure was made when the 19-year-old woman arrived from Ethiopia on Monday and was selected for a routine inspection at the airport.

Customs officers seized a 2.6kg pack of cocaine in a false compartment in the rucksack she was carrying.

According to the Customs and Excise Department, the woman was charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug and she would appear in West Kowloon Court on Wednesday.

In Hong Kong, the crime carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment and a HK$5 million fine under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance.

Last Friday, a woman, 52, arrived Peru via the Netherlands was arrested at the airport after she was found to be carrying 2.5kg of cocaine packed into 180 condoms insider her body. The consignment had an estimated street value of HK$2.3 million.

Officers said it was the biggest haul involving this trafficking method to be foiled by customs this year.

On the previous day,a woman, 24, arrived from Tanzania via Ethiopia was arrested at the airport after 2kg of cocaine worth HK$1.84 million was found in the false compartment of her luggage.

In a separate case on Tuesday last week, customs officers at the airport arrested a 48-year-old woman arrived from Tanzania via Ethiopia for carrying 1kg of cocaine in 70 packets inside her body.

The source said traffickers used different concealment methods and smuggling routes to avoid detection.

According to official statistics, local authorities seized more than 1 tonne of illegal drugs in total across the city in the first seven months of this year, down 7.7 per cent compared with the figure for the same period last year.

But ecstasy tablet seizures rose sharply to 2,643 in the first seven months of this year, from 93 for the same period last year.


Source: http://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/...arrested-hong-kong-airport-cocaine-worth-hk24

 

[Jabberwocky]

SOME 80 KILOS COCAINE SEIZED FROM AMSTERDAM HOME

The Amsterdam police recently confiscated over 80 kilograms of cocaine in a home on Ladogameerhof in Amsterdam Nieuw-West. Two Columbian suspects, aged 33 and 48 years old, were arrested, the police said in a statement

The cocaine was found in the bedroom and kitchen of the home. The police also seized a large sum of money and several phones. It is not yet clear whether the cocaine was intended for the Dutch market.

The investigation is still ongoing. More arrests may follow.

The discovery was made during an action aimed at people who are not registered with the municipality of Amsterdam, but live in the city.


Source: https://nltimes.nl/2017/11/17/80-kilos-cocaine-seized-amsterdam-home

 

[Jabberwocky]

MEXICO: COCAINE FOUND IN APPARENT SOCIAL SECURITY TRUCK

CIUDAD VICTORIA, Mexico (AP) — Mexican authorities have seized more than 800 pounds (371 kilograms) of cocaine being transported toward the U.S. border inside a truck bearing the markings of the country's Social Security Institute.

The institute, which runs hospitals and other social services, denied that any of its employees or vehicles were involved in the incident.

A Defense Department statement said soldiers discovered the packets of drugs hidden inside the vehicle's mobile medical scanner at a highway checkpoint Wednesday night.

The white truck had logo that sought to imitate those of one of the social security institute's anti-poverty programs.

The truck had departed the Tamaulipas state capital of Ciudad Victoria bound for Reynosa, across the border from McAllen, Texas.

Soldiers detained three people on board who said they were employees of the Social Security Institute.

The institute later said in a statement that none of the three were its employees.


Source: http://www.beloitdailynews.com/article/20171117/AP/311179848

 

[Jabberwocky]

India: Drug peddling: 7 held, 22 kg marijuana seized in Bengaluru

Bengaluru/Belagavi: In a major crackdown on drug peddlers, Mico Layout police arrested seven people involved in two different cases of drug peddling and seized 22 kg of ganja and 100 gm of charas from them.

The accused, members of an inter-state gang, were selling marijuana to pan shops. In the first case, the police arrested Mohammed Ashraf (25) and Rajesh (24), who are from Kannur in Kerala and stayed at Hennur in the city.

The accused smuggled marijuana from Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh for a lower price and sold it at a premium to students and software professional in the city. They had 15 kg of marijuana and 100 gm of charas when the police raided the flat.

In another case, five members of an inter-state drug gang were arrested. Their main target was pan shops in the city. The police seized 7 kg of marijuana from the accused – Rahul Kumar Yadav (24), Ramdin Jadhav (28), Shyam Kumar Yadav (21) from Bihar and Dhanesh (23) and Shabbu (23) from Uttar Pradesh. They lived in different parts of Bengaluru.

Rahul, the prime accused, bought marijuana from one Dileep in Singasandra. He divided it into small pockets and shared it with the other accused, who ran pan shops in the city.

Home Minister Ramalinga Reddy issued an order to the police department to act against sternly peddlers, saying drugs posed a threat to society and to young people.

Cells in 3 dists to prevent sale, supply of drugs
Home Minister Ramalinga Reddy informed the Legislative Council here on Tuesday that the state government has decided to set up cells in three districts to prevent the sale and supply of narcotic drugs.

After a discussion on a calling-attention motion notice of Congress member Ivon D' Souza, Mr Reddy said that there are many cases registered regarding the sale and supply of narcotic drugs in the state. The government will take stringent action against such activities, especially on the premises of educational institutions. The government has decided to set up cells in Mangaluru, Bengaluru and Belagavi, he said.

Mr Reddy said that to register and investigate the sales of drugs, the government will establish 36 police stations across the state. The home department has been told to slap the Goonda Act against ganja sellers. “I have given instructions to police officials in places where drug sale and supply is high. They will focus on Mangaluru, Bengaluru, Mysuru and Shivamogga districts, where sales are higher,” he said.


Source: http://www.deccanchronicle.com/nati...held-22-kg-marijuana-seized-in-bengaluru.html

 

[Jabberwocky]

Netherlands: OVER €25 MILLION IN COCAINE FOUND HIDDEN AMONG REFRIGERATED FRUIT

The police found over a thousand kilograms of cocaine hidden among fruit in a refrigerated truck in Oudenbosch on Tuesday. Six men were arrested. The street value of the drugs is estimated around 25 million euros, the police said in a statement.

The bust was made in a warehouse on Industrieweg. The police identified the suspects in an ongoing investigation. Four men were in the warehouse when the police arrived. They were all arrested. Another two men were arrested a short time later, on suspicion of involvement in this case. All six suspects are in restricted custody, which means they are allowed no contact with the outside world, except with their lawyer.

The investigation is still ongoing. More arrests may follow.


Source: https://nltimes.nl/2017/11/15/eu25-million-cocaine-found-hidden-among-refrigerated-fruit

 

[Neithman]

i just want one of these 23 kg packages

 

[Jabberwocky]

AUS: Men could face life in jail after ‘300kg of cocaine disguised as cocoa and coffe

Two Mexican men have been arrested after authorities seized 300kg of cocaine allegedly hidden in pallets of cocoa and coffee powder in Melbourne.

Police said the one of the men, aged 34, was found with trace amounts of the drug during an examination by Border Force officers at Melbourne International Airport earlier this month.

The man, who had flown in from Los Angeles, was detained and an investigation was launched, the Australian Department of Immigration and Border Protection said in a statement today.

Enquiries soon led authorities to a consignment labelled “coffee and cocoa power” at a property in Altona, 13 kilometres from the CBD.

Officers allegedly found 300 kilograms of cocaine in the package, worth an estimated street value of $130 million.

Search warrants were carried out yesterday, with another Mexican man, aged 33, also being arrested.

Both men have been charged with the importation a commercial quantity of border controlled drugs.

The 33-year-old has also been charged with attempting to possess a commercial quantity of border controlled drugs.

The charge carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.

The alleged offenders will appear in the Melbourne Magistrates Court today.

AFP Commander John Beveridge in Melbourne said the investigation required significant cooperation between domestic and international partners.

“Crime today is connected at a local, national, and international level, and one of the AFP’s greatest assets is its robust relationships with partners at home and overseas,” Commander Beveridge said in an official statement.


Source: https://www.9news.com.au/national/2...isguised-300kg-of-cocaine-as-cocoa-and-coffee