250kg of cocaine worth $82m found in Brisbane shipping container

More than 250kg of cocaine, worth about $82 million, has been seized from a single shipping container in Brisbane.

The cocaine was discovered after Australian Border Force officers x-rayed the “suspicious” container and found anomalies inside. Picture: AFP

More than 250kg of cocaine worth about $82 million has been seized from a single shipping container in Brisbane.

Australian Border Force officers x-rayed the “suspicious” container and found anomalies inside after it was imported through the sea cargo stream on May 27, 2025.

Officers found five carry bags wrapped in black plastic placed on top of pallets of polyethylene, a legal product used for packaging.

Testing of the white substance found within the packages returned a presumptive positive result for cocaine.

Australian Federal Police confirmed the bags had 253kg of cocaine worth an approximate $82 million.

ABF Commander Troy Sokoloff said the significant seizure was the direct result of the exceptional vigilance and rapid action of the ABF and AFP.

More than 250kg of cocaine was found in the container. Picture: 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.”

AFP Detective Acting Superintendent Adrian Telfer said the AFP was committed to preventing drugs from reaching Australian shores.

Officers found five carry bags wrapped in black plastic placed on top of pallets. Picture: AFP

“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.

“There are people who will have information that can assist this investigation and we urge them to come forward.

“The smallest clue could be all it takes to help police identify those involved in this failed plot. If you know anything that could help this investigation contact Crime Stoppers on 1300 333 000 or report via crimestoppers.com.au”