AUKUS reaffirmed, critical minerals deal signed in Albanese-Trump meeting; $11.7 million cocaine shipment seized by AFP, Chilean police

Australian and Chilean police have busted an attempt to smuggle a shipment of cocaine into Australia hidden inside mining equipment and arrested five people, including two from Western Sydney.

Earlier this month, investigators in Chile discovered 36 kilograms of cocaine worth $11.7 million packed inside two pieces of mining equipment bound for Sydney.

Chilean police removed the cocaine and alerted the Australian Federal Police before allowing the shipment to continue to Australia. AFP officers allegedly saw a 26-year-old Sydney man pick up the equipment and take it to a home in St Mary’s.

Police officers heard drilling and grinding noises coming from the house as the man allegedly cut off the equipment and tried to remove the cocaine.

AFP arrested the man and another man, 37, at the home and found a sledgehammer, cutting discs and angle grinders allegedly meant to cut equipment.

Both men were charged with attempting to possess and import a commercial quantity of a border-controlled drug. The maximum penalty is life imprisonment.

In Chile, AFP presented evidence that helped arrest three men in the Coquimbo Region for their role in the alleged plot.

AFP Commander Katy Ferry said the international warning was a warning to “anyone deceived by false promises of wealth from drug imports”.

“These offenses carry the potential for life imprisonment both in Australia and offshore,” Ferry said.

“Through these partnerships in Australia and globally, we are making significant progress in disrupting serious organized crime networks and their illicit drug routes.”