In a significant operation, Australian authorities have seized over 200 kilograms of cocaine concealed within the hull of a cargo ship that initially docked at the Port of Melbourne. The Australian Federal Police (AFP) and Australian Border Force (ABF) have launched an extensive investigation into the drug seizure while urgently appealing to the public for any information related to the incident.
The operation unfolded on August 9, 2023, when ABF officers, employing an underwater Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV), conducted a meticulous search of a vessel berthed at Melbourne’s Maribyrnong Terminal. The ship had previously traveled from Argentina via New Zealand.
During the ROV inspection, ABF officers identified a suspicious attachment within the ship’s sea chest—a section of the vessel containing pipes used for pumping seawater into and out of ballast tanks. Specialist divers from the Victoria Police Search and Rescue Squad were dispatched to retrieve packages of cocaine concealed within the sea chest. The AFP subsequently seized approximately 200 kilograms of cocaine, estimated to be worth a staggering $80 million on the street.
AFP Commander Richard Chin emphasised the seriousness of such concealment methods, noting that these tactics have been used by drug smugglers for over two decades. He said, “This seizure is another case of law enforcement remaining one step ahead of criminals attempting to bring harmful, illicit drugs into our country and into our community.”
Commander Chin underscored the impact of the seizure, stating, “We have prevented 200 kilograms of cocaine from reaching our streets and, in doing so, we have prevented approximately one million street deals and the significant harm to our society that flows as a result.” He also highlighted the ongoing investigation’s focus on identifying and locating the transnational organised crime groups responsible for this attempted import.
The ship and its crew were allowed to continue their journey, which took them from Victoria to Western Australia and then to South Australia. Commander Chin urged anyone with information related to the seizure or suspicious activity in ports across these three states to come forward.
ABF Commander Clinton Sims, Maritime and Enforcement South, warned that organized crime groups continue to target Australia by moving illegal drugs through the border using parasitic hull attachments on commercial ships. He stressed the ABF’s commitment to detecting and dismantling transnational organised crime groups.
Victoria Police Search and Rescue Inspector James Dalton highlighted the expertise of specialist divers and the determination of law enforcement to detect and deter illegal drug imports. He stated, “Our message is clear: if you are attempting to import drugs or illegal goods via ships into Victoria, we will detect them and ensure the people involved are held to account.”
The AFP is urging witnesses or anyone with information regarding suspicious activity in the Port of Maribyrnong in Melbourne on or around August 9, 2023, or in the Port of Fremantle or Port Adelaide in the subsequent week, to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Information can be reported anonymously to Crime Stoppers via 1800 333 000 and online at crimestoppers.com.au.
