Australia's Record-Breaking Drug Seizure Unfolds in Western Sydney
On June 19, 2026, Australian authorities executed a search warrant at a semi-rural property in Londonderry, on the western outskirts of Sydney, uncovering what would become the nation's largest cocaine seizure to date. Officers discovered 2.7 tonnes of the drug concealed in plastic tubs buried within underground bunkers hidden beneath three shipping containers equipped with false floors. This single haul surpasses all previous cocaine recoveries in Australian history and forms the centerpiece of a broader investigation that has now netted more than three tonnes of border-controlled drugs overall.
Operation Minjiang: From Initial Tip to Coordinated Raids
The seizure emerged from Operation Minjiang, a multi-agency probe launched in May 2026 by the Queensland Joint Organised Crime Taskforce. The effort began after Queensland Police responded to reports of a burnt-out flatbed truck near a boat ramp at Midge Point in northern Queensland, where 40 kilograms of cocaine were found floating in the water. Investigators traced leads through cascading search warrants across Queensland and into New South Wales, ultimately linking the Londonderry discovery to an alleged importation scheme involving an international vessel. The operation has involved the Australian Federal Police, Queensland Police Service, Australian Border Force, Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission, AUSTRAC, the Australian Taxation Office, and support from NSW Police Highway Patrol.
Arrests and Charges in the Wake of the Raid
During the Londonderry search, two men—a 21-year-old from Plumpton and a 25-year-old from Liverpool—allegedly attempted to flee on foot and were taken into custody. Both face charges of possessing a commercial quantity of an unlawfully imported border-controlled drug under the Criminal Code, an offence carrying a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. They appeared in NSW Local Court on June 20 and were remanded in custody, with their next appearance scheduled for Penrith Local Court on August 13, 2026. Additional arrests tied to the same importation plot have occurred in Queensland, including individuals charged with attempting to possess commercial quantities of border-controlled drugs and related offences. One man from Petrie was further charged on June 19, while others face court dates through September 2026.
Sophisticated Concealment and Cross-Border Logistics
The cocaine was hidden in a manner designed to evade detection, with plastic tubs placed in purpose-built underground bunkers beneath shipping containers modified with false floors. Authorities allege the drugs were offloaded from an international vessel near Midge Point in northern Queensland before being transported south to Sydney under the direction of an organised crime group based in the city. A suspected mother vessel, the MV Wealth, has been detained in the Solomon Islands for further examination. This method reflects the lengths criminal networks go to, using remote locations, modified infrastructure, and multi-state movements to facilitate large-scale importation along Australia's east coast.
Street Value and Scale of the Haul
Officials estimate the 2.7 tonnes of cocaine alone carried a street value of approximately A$816 million, equivalent to roughly US$572 million, representing around three million individual street-level deals. When combined with the earlier seizures of 178 kilograms of cocaine and 142 kilograms of methamphetamine from the same operation, the total exceeds three tonnes of illicit substances removed from circulation. Such quantities highlight the significant scale of attempted distribution networks targeting Australian communities.
Joint Taskforce Coordination and Enforcement Success
The Queensland Joint Organised Crime Taskforce model enabled seamless information sharing and resource deployment across federal and state agencies. AFP Commander Stephen Jay emphasised the determination of investigators in preventing these drugs from reaching the community, noting the extreme measures criminals take despite the risks. Queensland Police Service Detective Acting Chief Superintendent Troy Pukallus highlighted how the operation evolved from a regional response in Mackay into a sophisticated national effort. Australian Border Force Commander Troy Sokoloff underscored the value of intelligence-led approaches in disrupting organised crime at the border and beyond.
International Dimensions and Ongoing Probes
Investigations continue into the origins of the drugs and the broader syndicate, with cooperation expected from international partners. The detention of the MV Wealth in the Solomon Islands illustrates the cross-border nature of these networks. Police have stated that anyone facilitating the alleged import can expect to face consequences as agencies work to dismantle the full extent of the operation.
Impact on Organised Crime and Community Safety
This seizure delivers a substantial blow to criminal enterprises seeking to profit from the Australian market. By removing such a volume of cocaine, authorities have prevented potential harm associated with distribution along the east coast. The coordinated response demonstrates how persistent, multi-jurisdictional policing can interrupt complex supply chains that begin overseas and end in major cities like Sydney.
Context Within Australia's Drug Enforcement Landscape
The Londonderry find eclipses the previous national record of 2.34 tonnes seized from a fishing boat near K'gari in 2024. It underscores evolving tactics by traffickers, including the use of remote coastal drop points and elaborate inland concealment. Law enforcement continues to adapt through enhanced intelligence sharing and targeted operations like Minjiang.
Future Outlook for Border and Domestic Security
With charges laid and further inquiries active, the case is expected to yield additional insights into importation routes and syndicate structures. Officials have issued clear warnings to criminal groups that such attempts will be met with rigorous enforcement. The outcome reinforces Australia's commitment to protecting communities through sustained, collaborative efforts against illicit drug trafficking.
