Authorities have seized more than 250kg of cocaine being smuggled through Brisbane

More than 250kg of cocaine worth an estimated $82m was discovered in a shipping container in Brisbane after a tip off.

Authorities have intercepted a mammoth haul of cocaine worth an estimated $82m as it was smuggled into Brisbane in a shipping container.

The Australian Border Force and Australian Federal Police found the 253kg supply after receiving a tip about a suspicious container being imported.

After X-raying the container, ABF officers found huge black plastic bags filled with a white substance, which was then tested and returned a positive result for cocaine.

The bags were tucked away on top of pallets of polyethylene, a legal product used for packaging.

Authorities seized 253kg of cocaine in Brisbane, worth $82m. Picture: AFP

ABF Commander Troy Sokoloff said the seizure was made because of vigilance and rapid action from the ABF and AFP.

“I want to commend the highly skilled officers in our supply chain and cargo teams who were vital to the interdiction of this dangerous consignment, thereby preventing significant community harm,” Commander Sokoloff said.

“To those criminal syndicates who mistakenly believe they can infiltrate our borders with illicit drugs, let this serve as a powerful warning: the ABF, in close collaboration with the AFP, have eyes and ears everywhere.

“Our sophisticated intelligence networks, advanced screening technology and unwavering commitment to safeguarding the community mean that your attempts will be detected, your drugs will be seized, and you will be held to account.”

The massive haul of white powder was intercepted in a shipping container. Picture: AFP

The black plastic bags were smuggled on top of pallets of polyethylene. Picture: AFP

AFP Detective Acting Superintendent Adrian Telfer said the AFP warned smuggled that Australia was committed to stopping drugs from crossing our borders.

“The people behind these crimes have no regard for the harm and damage that illicit drugs wreak on the Australian community every minute of every day,” Det Supt Telfer said.

The AFP will investigate who was responsible for smuggling the cocaine, and urged anyone with information on the “failed plot” to come forward and contact Crime Stoppers.

Originally published as Authorities have seized more than 250kg of cocaine being smuggled through Brisbane