Police allegedly find 110kg of cocaine inside frozen berry container in shipment from Chile
Sydney police allegedly seized 110kg of cocaine hidden inside a refrigerated shipping container carrying frozen fruit from Chile.
Australian Border Force officers at Port Botany launched an investigation on June 24 after allegedly finding suspicious packages in a refrigerated shipping container north-west of Sydney.
Investigators said they found 110 bricks of compressed white powder that allegedly tested positive for cocaine.
The group’s market value is estimated at approximately $36 million.
Police are seeking the public’s help in identifying the alleged criminal organization responsible for the importation.
ABF Acting Inspector Noleen Shankar said cocaine seizures increased by 23 per cent compared to the same period last year.
“This highlights the expertise of ABF officers leveraging intelligence-led targeting and their advanced operational capabilities to protect the Australian border,” Inspector Shankar said.
Australian Federal Police Detective Acting Inspector Aaron Burgess said they were aware of an alleged trend of criminal organizations using refrigerated containers to import drugs into the country.
“Criminal networks seeking to bring harmful drugs into our country fail to take into account the damage these substances cause to individuals, families and communities,” Inspector Burgess said.
“The community is our eyes and ears, and any information, no matter how big or small, can help us identify those responsible for these failed imports.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
