Fiji police are seeking Australian national Sam Amine, 49, to face trial for his alleged role in orchestrating the importation of more than four tonnes of methamphetamine into Fiji. The seizure, which occurred in January 2024, has been described by authorities as the largest in Fiji's history.

Amine is currently in Australia, where he has pleaded guilty to separate drug and firearm supply charges.

The Drug Seizure and Alleged Operation

According to authorities, the methamphetamine was supplied by the Sinaloa cartel in Mexico. Evidence accepted by a Fiji High Court judge indicates the drugs were stockpiled in Fiji and destined for markets in Australia and New Zealand.

Fiji police allege that Amine helped arrange and pay for the drugs to enter Fiji. Authorities state the drugs were stored for several days at a warehouse owned by Amine in Denarau, a resort area. The warehouse was reportedly being rented by Justin Ho, who was later convicted in Fiji as the local ringleader of the operation.

A Fiji High Court judge has referred to Amine as a "drug kingpin" in connection with this case.

Legal Proceedings in Fiji

Nine Fijian nationals have been convicted and received sentences for their roles in the drug importation. Sentences ranged from 14 years to life imprisonment. One individual, David Heritage, was sentenced to 55 years in prison.

During the trial, Heritage gave evidence that Amine approached him to facilitate the drug shipment and provided a payment of $30,000 through Justin Ho. Heritage stated that coordination occurred via the encrypted messaging application Threema.

John Rabuku, deputy director at Fiji's Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), stated that due to end-to-end encryption on the Threema app, prosecutors were unable to extract forensic phone evidence directly linking Amine to the payment. Amine has not faced charges in Fiji related to this case.

Asset Seizure and Forfeiture

Fiji's ODPP is pursuing civil forfeiture of Amine's assets in Fiji, estimated to be worth 8.8 million Fijian dollars ($5.6 million). A Fiji High Court has accepted evidence that the properties were purchased with proceeds of crime. A bid to dismiss the forfeiture application was rejected in April 2024 after Amine's legal representative failed to appear.

The New South Wales (NSW) Crime Commission in Australia has frozen $10 million of Amine's assets.

Legal Status in Australia

Amine left Fiji before the drugs were seized. In May 2024, in Sydney, he was arrested after supplying a large commercial quantity of drugs and a firearm to an undercover police officer. He pleaded guilty to these charges and is due to be sentenced in July 2024.

Amine's nephew, Nabil Allouche, pleaded guilty to related drug and firearm supply charges in Australia and was sentenced to six years and two months in prison.

Alleged Criminal Associations

NSW Police told a Supreme Court bail hearing that Amine was connected to the Alameddine crime network and the KVT gang, both described by police as involved in serious organised crime and drug importation. Fiji Police state that Amine's alleged links to the KVT gang are a reason for their interest in him.

Senior Australian law enforcement sources described Amine as "a major regional target" and "a door" for large-scale drug importations from the Pacific to Australia.

Background and Previous Incidents

Amine has been known to authorities in both countries since at least 2019. He was placed under surveillance in Fiji at the request of the Australian Federal Police (AFP) that year but was arrested and interviewed before being released without charge. In 2021, Amine was abducted and assaulted in Sydney in an incident that NSW Police believed was related to a drug debt.

Fiji Police state Amine has owned property and operated a gym in Denarau for nearly a decade and suspect he has funded local criminal syndicates.

Statements from Authorities

Fiji Police Assistant Commissioner Mesake Waqa stated: "We will only rest once we charge those responsible, those international crime syndicates. It is my wish for Sam Amine to face trial here in Fiji."

NSW Police Assistant Commissioner Scott Cook said NSW Police would assist other countries seeking to prosecute individuals "wherever possible, and within Australian law."

Defense Statement

Amine's defense lawyer in Sydney, Daniel Wakim, provided a statement saying: "My client's silence should not in any way be seen of [sic] deemed as an admission to any criminal liability or associations."

COCAINE OFF THE COAST

A 41-year-old man from Tweed Heads, New South Wales, has been charged with importing a commercial quantity of a border-controlled drug following the discovery of approximately 200 kilograms of cocaine and $100,000 in cash on a catamaran.

Incident Details

On April 16, NSW Police Force Marine Area Command operatives intercepted a catamaran as it entered the Tweed River, south of the Queensland border. The vessel was subsequently towed to a secure location, where specialist forensic officers conducted a search. Police allege the cocaine was hidden inside black duffel bags on board.

Police allege the vessel had sailed from the Tweed River on April 14, traveled north, and switched off its transponder. Authorities state the man then traveled approximately 100 nautical miles off the coast, collected drugs from another vessel, and sailed back, turning the transponder back on. Police described the haul as having a street value of approximately $80 million.

Legal Proceedings

The man faced the NSW Bail Division Court on April 17. He was charged with one count of importing a commercial quantity of a border-controlled drug, which carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. He was formally refused bail and remanded to appear before the same court on June 12.

Investigation Context

Police stated the discovery was part of an investigation into an alleged international plot by a syndicate linked to outlaw motorcycle gangs. Authorities allege the syndicate was planning to import cocaine by retrieving caches of the drug at sea. Detective Inspector Steven Wiggins stated that police are continuing to investigate who may have met the accused at sea to hand over the drugs. Further arrests have not been ruled out.

Official Statements

Australian Border Force Superintendent Jim Ley stated that the arrest followed a coordinated, intelligence-driven operation. He said the amount of cocaine would have caused significant harm and added: "Our message to organised crime is clear: We are watching, we are working together, and we will stop anyone who tries to bring illicit drugs into Australia."

LARGEST COCAINE SEIZURE IN AUSTRALIAN HISTORY

Australian Federal Police (AFP) have seized 2.7 tonnes of cocaine from a property in Londonderry, in Greater Western Sydney. The seizure is the largest in Australian history.

Seizure Details

The drugs were found on Friday in plastic tubs buried in underground bunkers concealed beneath false floors in three shipping containers at a semi-rural property. The estimated street value of the cocaine is approximately A$816 million.

Arrests and Charges

Two men, aged 21 and 25, were arrested at the scene and charged with possessing a commercial quantity of an unlawfully imported border-controlled drug. They allegedly attempted to flee. The men appeared in a NSW local court on Saturday and were remanded in custody. They are expected to appear at Penrith local court. If convicted, they face potential life sentences.

Investigation Background

The seizure is part of Operation Minjiang, a joint investigation involving the AFP, Queensland Police, the Australian Border Force, and other agencies. The operation began in May after 40 kilograms of cocaine was found floating off a boat ramp at Midge Point, in north Queensland. Police allege the cocaine was imported near Midge Point and transported to Sydney at the direction of a Sydney organized crime group. A suspected "mother vessel," the MV Wealth, has been detained in the Solomon Islands for further investigation. Six people have been charged in connection with the broader importation enterprise.

Related Seizures in Queensland

As part of the same operation, authorities executed search warrants in Queensland and seized an additional 178 kilograms of cocaine and 142 kilograms of methamphetamine. A burnt-out truck was found near the Midge Point boat ramp. The alleged owner, a 41-year-old Mackay man, was arrested and charged with one count of attempting to possess a commercial quantity of a border-controlled drug.

Official Statements

AFP Commander Stephen Jay stated that organized crime groups are increasingly targeting Queensland's coastline for drug smuggling due to its remoteness. He said the haul was the equivalent of 3 million street-level deals.

Queensland Police Acting Chief Superintendent Troy McAllison stated the truck was believed to have been set on fire to destroy evidence, and that further arrests are anticipated.

COCAINE IN FROZEN BERRIES

Australian Border Force officers intercepted a refrigerated shipping container at Port Botany on June 24 containing 110 kilograms of cocaine.

Seizure Details

The container, carrying frozen berries from Chile, was found to contain 110 single-kilogram bricks of compressed white powder hidden among the shipment. Testing confirmed the powder was cocaine. The container was destined for northwest Sydney. The estimated street value of the drugs is $36 million.

Official Statements

AFP Detective Acting Superintendent Aaron Burgess stated that organised crime groups continue to exploit refrigerated shipping containers to smuggle illicit drugs into Australia. He said criminal networks have no regard for the harm these substances cause.

ABF Acting Superintendent Noleen Shankar stated that cocaine detections at Australia's border have increased by 23% compared to the same period last year. She highlighted the expertise of ABF officers in using intelligence-led targeting and advanced capabilities to protect the border.

COCAINE DROP FROM LIVESTOCK VESSEL

A sixth man has been charged in connection with an alleged plot to import 525 kilograms of cocaine into Western Australia.

Seizure Details

The drugs, valued at over $170 million, were discovered tied to flotation drums approximately 30 kilometres off the coast of Lancelin on November 6. WA Police and the Australian Federal Police collected the package. A special taskforce was already investigating suspicious activity related to the international vessel 'Al Kuwait' when the discovery was reported.

Arrests and Charges

The 44-year-old Myaree man, arrested in Mariginiup, is alleged to have been part of a group that attempted to retrieve the drugs from the sea in early November, departing from Two Rocks Marina. He faces one count of attempt to possess a commercial quantity of unlawfully imported cocaine.

Investigators allege the cocaine was dropped into the ocean from an international livestock vessel, en route to Fremantle Harbour, on October 31. The vessel's 46-year-old chief officer, a Croatian national, has been charged with attempting to import a commercial quantity of a border-controlled drug. A search of his ship reportedly found a blue drum and ropes consistent with those found with the drugs. Four other men have also been charged for their alleged roles in attempting to collect the cocaine.

Investigation Details

Police allege discussions regarding the retrieval plan occurred on an encrypted messaging application between the Myaree man and another individual. WA Police Assistant Commissioner Tony Longhorn previously stated that the drug haul is suspected to be linked to South American cartels. Police estimate the drugs could have been distributed in 2.6 million individual street deals.

Detective Inspector Matt Taylor affirmed law enforcement's commitment to identifying all individuals involved in the plot. The investigation is ongoing, and further arrests have not been ruled out.

FRENCH NAVY INTERCEPTS FIVE TONNES OF COCAINE

A fishing boat suspected of drug trafficking in the Pacific Ocean was intercepted by the French Navy, revealing nearly five tonnes of cocaine.

Interception Details

The French Navy boarded the boat on January 16, discovering 96 bales containing a total of 4.87 tonnes of cocaine. The drugs were reportedly en route to Australia from Central America. The 13,000km journey was halted when the vessel was intercepted in French Polynesia. Australian Federal Police have acknowledged the seizure, stating it prevented a substantial amount of illicit drugs from reaching local streets.

AFP Commander Stephen Jay thanked French partners, noting that the harm caused by organised crime syndicates attempting to import illicit drugs into Australia extends beyond individual users to violent and exploitative crimes and community harm.

Pacific Ocean Drug Trafficking Routes

The Pacific Ocean is identified as a route for drug trafficking. A narco-submarine was found near the Solomon Islands last year, among others discovered in the region.

Ben Mostyn, a drug policy expert and deputy director of the Sydney Institute of Criminology, stated that the Pacific faces a risk of organized crime expansion due to Australia's high demand and prices for cocaine. He indicated that smugglers utilize various methods, including speedboats, submarines, tunnels, and large ships, to transport drugs across borders.

It is estimated that customs intercept less than 10 percent of illicit drugs entering the country. Australians reportedly spend $10 billion annually on illegal drugs and are among the world's highest per capita users of cocaine, according to the World Drug Report 2025.

FRENCH NAVY STRIKES AGAIN IN PACIFIC AND CARIBBEAN

The French navy recently conducted two significant cocaine seizures in the South Pacific and the Caribbean Sea. French Armed Forces Minister Catherine Vautrin announced the operations.

South Pacific Seizure

French naval forces intercepted a vessel carrying 4.24 tons of cocaine in French Polynesia. The ship, originating from Central America, was reportedly en route to South Africa. Officials reported that the seized cargo was subsequently destroyed at sea, outside the Polynesian economic zone and marine protected area. The vessel and its crew were released under international law, and no charges were brought by the local prosecutor's office, as the trafficking was not destined for French Polynesia.

Caribbean Sea Interception

In a separate operation, a boat trafficking 678 kilograms of cocaine was intercepted in the Caribbean Sea. This shipment was handed over to Barbadian authorities.

Context

The United Nations has indicated an expansion of organized crime groups trafficking cocaine and methamphetamine in the Pacific region in recent years. Large quantities of drugs are transported from North and South America to markets in Australia and New Zealand. French Polynesia is situated along these maritime routes and experiences significant methamphetamine use.

COCAINE DUMPED AT SEA: JURISDICTIONAL GAPS

French armed forces intercepted a vessel carrying almost five tonnes of cocaine in international waters near French Polynesia. The cocaine was reportedly bound for Australia, with an estimated street value of up to $1.5 billion.

Seizure and Release

French Polynesian President Moetai Brotherson confirmed that authorities dumped the cocaine at sea. The vessel, MV Raider, crewed by 11 Honduran and Ecuadorian nationals, was subsequently released. Brotherson stated that overcrowded prisons in French Polynesia prevented prosecution of the crew, indicating that such cases are left to the country of origin or destination.

Jurisdictional Ambiguity

The MV Raider later arrived at Avatiu Port in the Cook Islands under a distress call for engine repairs. Cook Islands Customs reported searching the vessel and questioning the crew, stating "nothing was found." Brotherson noted that the interception occurred outside French Polynesia's exclusive economic zone, making it an international matter. He emphasized that the issue is one of prosecution willingness and ongoing international cooperation.

Second Incident and Regional Concerns

In a separate incident, the French Navy seized another 4.25 tonnes of cocaine from a second ship near French Polynesia, also releasing the vessel and crew without charges. Officials attributed this to avoiding burdening local courts with drug trafficking cases not destined for French Polynesia.

Steve Symon, chair of New Zealand's Ministerial Advisory Group, characterized the volume of drugs transiting the Pacific to Australia and New Zealand as unprecedented. He highlighted that the Pacific has become a new gateway from the Americas due to demand in Australia and New Zealand.

THIRD STRIKE: 11.5 TONNES OF COCAINE SEIZED IN WEEKS

French authorities have intercepted a third significant cocaine shipment near French Polynesia, bringing the total amount seized since the beginning of the year to 11.5 tonnes. The combined market value of these seizures is estimated at $2.4 billion.

Key Seizures

• Latest Interception: 2.4 tonnes of cocaine seized from a vessel in international waters. This operation was conducted jointly with the United States.
• Previous Seizures: 4.24 tonnes on February 2 and 4.87 tonnes from the Australia-bound vessel MV Raider on January 16.
• Regional Activity: Separately, Fiji Police seized 2.64 tonnes of cocaine, valued at an estimated $780 million.

Operational Details and Challenges

In all three French seizures, the cargo was destroyed at sea, and the vessels were permitted to continue to their destinations. Maritime law expert Professor Donald Rothwell from the Australian National University stated that under international maritime law, authorities can only arrest vessels on the high seas for piracy or breaches of UN Security Council resolutions. Only the flag state has the authority to prosecute a vessel suspected of drug smuggling.

Broader Context and Environmental Concerns

The recent seizures indicate an increasing use of the Pacific as a drug trafficking route. Zoologist Dr. Natascha Wosnick expressed concern about the environmental impact of dumping large quantities of drugs into the ocean, noting that plastic drug packaging often washes ashore and that traces of cocaine have been detected in marine life, including sharks. Dr. Wosnick suggested that law enforcement should explore alternatives to destroying drugs at sea, citing the potential for widespread environmental effects due to ocean currents.

COCAINE CONCEALED IN TIMBER PLANKS

Police have charged five men in connection with a drug trafficking operation involving approximately $14 million worth of cocaine concealed within timber planks.

Investigation Details

An investigation was initiated in August of the previous year following a tip-off regarding 100 kilograms of cocaine intended for extraction from four tonnes of timber planks. Authorities allege that images depicting the timber and cocaine were discovered on the mobile phone of a 33-year-old man, who was arrested in Kingsford, Sydney, in January. Police further state that his phone, over 700 grams of cocaine, and almost $400,000 in cash were found in a duffel bag within his vehicle. The phone reportedly contained photos and videos illustrating cocaine "impregnated into wooden planks."

The concealed planks were allegedly stored in sheds located in Lismore and on the Gold Coast. Six tonnes of timber were seized during an operation conducted on January 22.

Latest Arrest

Most recently, a 33-year-old man was arrested at Ocean Shores on the NSW Far North Coast. He has been charged with supplying a large commercial quantity of drugs and knowingly directing the activities of a criminal group.

Official Statements

NSW Police Detective Superintendent John Watson commented on the alleged crimes, noting they demonstrated a significant degree of planning. He stated that criminal groups continuously adapt their methods, but police teams were prepared, ensuring the drugs did not reach the streets.

Queensland Police Acting Detective Superintendent Brad Phelps highlighted cross-border collaboration as crucial to the operation. He also mentioned that this method of concealing cocaine by impregnating it into timber planks had not been previously detected in Queensland.

THE MV RAIDER: A SHIP ON A MISSION

A vessel identified as the MV Raider, previously intercepted carrying nearly five tonnes of cocaine, is currently en route to Sydney, Australia. The French Navy intercepted and released the ship in international waters near French Polynesia on January 16, after seizing its cargo.

Vessel Status and Authorities' Response

Following a stop in the Cook Islands, the MV Raider is now positioned north of New Zealand's North Island, with Sydney as its destination, according to vessel tracking data. Australian authorities, including the Australian Federal Police, have declined to comment on whether they are tracking the vessel or plan to detain it or its crew upon arrival.

Pre-Interception Intelligence and Vessel History

Noam Rabinovich, director of product marketing for maritime intelligence firm Windward, reported that the organization alerted authorities to the MV Raider prior to its interception. The MV Raider reportedly disappeared in August 2021 and reappeared in November 2025 under a new name. It also changed its flag from the United States to Togo, a country considered a "flag of convenience" state, known for lower oversight.

Jurisdictional Complexities and Future Actions

Experts on maritime law explain that prosecuting crimes committed at sea is complex. Jurisdiction typically falls under the vessel's flagged state, though flags can be falsified. Australia may not have the power to prosecute the MV Raider's crew under current circumstances.

Steve Symon, chair of New Zealand's Ministerial Advisory Group, suggested that current approaches, such as dumping drugs and releasing suspected smugglers, are not effective long-term. He emphasized the need for strategies that reduce the profitability of drug smuggling in the Pacific region.

SIX CREW CHARGED AFTER HIDDEN TONNE DISCOVERED

Six crew members of the MV Raider vessel have been charged with attempting to smuggle a commercial quantity of illegal drugs into Australia. The charges follow the discovery of a hidden tonne of cocaine on the vessel by Australian authorities.

Charges Filed

The six charged individuals, ranging from 26 to 63 years of age, include five Honduran nationals and one Ecuadorian national. They are scheduled to appear in a Sydney bail court.

Background and Discovery

The MV Raider was initially intercepted by French Polynesian police in January. During this interception, approximately 5 tonnes of cocaine found on board were reportedly dumped into the sea, and the crew was subsequently released. The vessel was later escorted to Sydney in March after the crew reported mechanical issues.

The Australian Federal Police (AFP) revealed that French Polynesian authorities had not detected an additional tonne of cocaine. This illicit substance was allegedly concealed within "professionally built and installed smuggling hides" on the vessel. The AFP discovered secret tunnels during its inspection.

Investigation Details

The drugs were not present on the vessel when it was inspected by the AFP. Police suspect an Australian-based crew intended to rendezvous with the MV Raider for an at-sea transfer within Australia's Economic Exclusion Zone. Investigations into the crew's electronic devices reportedly uncovered evidence supporting the allegation of further drugs being on board. Police also seized a satellite phone allegedly used by senior crew members to communicate with offshore syndicate bosses.

Official Statements

ABF Commander Rose Cracknell stated that the search of digital devices "allegedly uncovered further criminality, which will be tested and put before the courts." She added that criminal groups attempting to breach Australia's borders should assume authorities are vigilant.

LUXURY BUS CONCEALS COCAINE

Australian authorities confiscated over 28 kilograms of cocaine from a luxury bus located on a vessel in South Australia.

Seizure Details

On February 16, Australian Border Force (ABF) officers conducted a search of a bus aboard a "roll on roll off" vessel anchored at Outer Harbor in the Port of Adelaide. During a forensic search utilizing videoscopes and detector dogs, several one-kilogram packages of a white powdered substance were discovered concealed behind a built-in television within the bus. Police confirmed the substance totaled approximately 28 kilograms and tested positive for cocaine.

The estimated street value of the drugs, had they entered the Australian community, was approximately $9 million.

Official Statements

AFP Detective Acting Superintendent Simon Lalic stated that criminals are motivated by greed and profit, and attempt various methods to import illicit substances. He added that law enforcement is aware of these efforts.

Australian Border Force Superintendent Griswood remarked that drug detections at the border reduce drug-related crimes and disrupt international criminal syndicates. He commended the officers involved for preventing significant community harm.

NARCO-SUBMARINES FLOOD THE PACIFIC

Pacific waters have seen an increase in the discovery of narco-submarines, with at least seven verified finds near Australia, Solomon Islands, and Marshall Islands over the past 18 months. Experts indicate that these vessels, believed to originate from the Americas, are transporting cocaine to markets in Australia and New Zealand.

Recent Discoveries and Seizures

• Four narco-subs have been discovered in Solomon Islands, with the latest washing ashore in Makira province in December.
• Two narco-subs have been confirmed in the Marshall Islands, with unverified reports of two additional finds.
• These discoveries bring the total number of verified narco-subs in the South Pacific since August 2024 to seven.

Professor Alexander Gillespie, an international law expert, anticipates more discoveries and drug seizures, citing the high profitability of illegal drugs in Australia and New Zealand.

Concurrent with the narco-sub discoveries, Pacific authorities have reported significant drug seizures. French Polynesian authorities seized over 11.5 tonnes of cocaine, valued at $3.4 billion. In January, 2.6 tonnes of cocaine, worth $780 million, were confiscated in a remote village in Fiji.

Narco-Sub Operations and Community Impact

Only one of the seven discovered narco-subs was intercepted with drugs and individuals on board. This occurred in a 2024 operation north of French Polynesia, where the US Coast Guard seized 3.7 tonnes of cocaine from Ecuadorian individuals, with reports suggesting the drugs were destined for Australia.

Locals in areas like Arno Atoll in the Marshall Islands have reported finding empty narco-subs. Residents express concern that their small island nations are being exploited as drug routes, noting an increase in local drug use.

Challenges and Policy Discussions

Small island nations in the Pacific face resource limitations in addressing the rising drug trafficking activity. French Polynesian authorities have released traffickers and dumped seized cocaine at sea, citing insufficient resources for prosecution. Solomon Islands police are investigating the impact of drugs, noting the country lacks legislation for methamphetamine possession or trafficking.

$1 BILLION COCAINE HAUL FOUND IN SYDNEY APARTMENT

NSW Police seized over 700 kilograms of cocaine, valued at approximately $1 billion, in a suburban Sydney apartment following an investigation into an alleged kidnapping plot. The seizure occurred on December 18, 2023, at a property on Blaxland Road, Ryde.

Investigation Details

Court documents indicate that the apartment was rented three weeks prior by Hussein Habeeb, who police allege was storing the drugs. Habeeb is facing drug supply charges. Police became aware of an alleged kidnapping plot targeting Habeeb, which led them to the Blaxland Road property. Detectives claim a rival crime group became aware of the cocaine stash shortly after Habeeb rented the unit. This group allegedly used a drone to surveil the apartment complex.

Alleged Kidnapping Plot and Key Figures

Encrypted messages, obtained by detectives, allegedly show the group planning to steal the drugs, referring to "500 bricks" inside the apartment. Police allege the men organized to purchase smaller amounts of the drug from Habeeb while monitoring him. Brandon Maseuli, identified by police as the alleged ringleader, has been charged with organizing the kidnapping of Habeeb and the heist.

Arrests and Charges

On December 18, police intervened and arrested several individuals. Moumin Hamouda, Elden Huric, Bilal Gheneim, and Liam Goodhew were charged with conspiracy to kidnap and armed break and enter. Youssef Rima was charged with aggravated break and enter. All have pleaded not guilty and are scheduled for a District Court trial later in the year.

TRUCKING CONNECTIONS USED FOR MASSIVE DRUG PLOT

Nine individuals have been accused of conspiring to import and distribute tonnes of cocaine and methamphetamine across Australia. The alleged operation reportedly utilized trucking connections for drug distribution.

Investigation Details

A 10-month joint investigation by the Australian Federal Police, Victoria Police, Australian Border Force, and the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission led to the arrests. Eight men were arrested in Victoria, and one in Sydney. The accused individuals range in age from 31 to 72. They face various drug trafficking charges, with seven potentially facing life imprisonment if convicted.

Origin of Investigation

Police initiated the investigation after four crew members were rescued from a commercial trawler that sank off the Victorian coast. Authorities became suspicious of the crew's activities, noting their travel in adverse weather and lack of standard commercial fishing equipment.

Alleged Syndicate Activities

It is alleged the group attempted multiple times to travel into the Bass Strait to a designated drop zone. At this location, they were reportedly scheduled to receive large quantities of drugs from a "mother ship" operating in Australian waters. Separately, four of the arrested men face charges related to the seizure of 30 kilograms of methamphetamine in Perth and 41 kilograms of cocaine in regional Victoria.

The syndicate is alleged to have used contacts within the trucking industry to transport the drugs between states.

Official Statements

AFP Det Supt Ray Imbriano stated that organized crime groups target Australia due to high demand and willingness to pay for illicit drugs. He stated that drug importations fuel violence between rival gangs in suburbs, and that this violence too often leaves innocent Australians caught in the crosshairs.

THE ONE THAT GOT AWAY: ONE TONNE OF COCAINE VANISHES

An organized crime syndicate allegedly imported approximately one tonne of cocaine into Australia after law enforcement agencies allowed a cargo ship, the Raider, to travel along the country's east coast. Authorities are currently working to locate the cocaine, which has an estimated street value between $300 million and $600 million.

Sequence of Events: A Breakdown

For weeks, authorities had suspicions that the Raider was carrying a hidden drug shipment.

• January 16: French law enforcement agencies seized and destroyed 4.87 tonnes of cocaine found onboard the Raider, before releasing its crew.
• February 19: Australian Border Force (ABF) officers, alongside NSW Police, intercepted the Raider 180 nautical miles off the NSW coast. The ABF decided to redirect the ship towards New Caledonia instead of seizing it.
• February 26: The Raider reached waters off Gladstone, Queensland. The ABF did not intercept the Raider at this point, citing a lack of resources.
• Early March: The cocaine was allegedly offloaded in Australian waters. Federal authorities became aware of this only after the Raider was escorted into Sydney Harbour on March 12.

Investigation and Charges

During searches of the Raider and crew members' phones, ABF officials reportedly found evidence indicating the cocaine had been successfully imported. Messages allegedly identified a hidden compartment under a cupboard where an additional tonne of cocaine had been stored.

Evidence found on seized devices suggested at least one drop-off occurred in Australian waters, with authorities believing the cocaine was offloaded at several locations.

On March 16, AFP detectives charged six Raider crew members with conspiring to import a commercial quantity of a border-controlled drug. This charge carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment, used as the cocaine itself has not been found.

Inter-Agency Relations

The handling of the situation and the initial withholding of intelligence by federal agencies has reportedly strained the relationship between state and federal law enforcement, with senior NSW sources noting significant friction.