Australian Federal Police bust 1.8 tonne of drugs in Queensland in 2023

Almost two tonnes of illegal drugs have been stopped from hitting Queensland streets this year, including more than 200kg of cocaine busted on a yacht in Townsville.

Almost two tonnes of illegal drugs have been stopped from hitting Queensland streets this year, including more than 200kg of cocaine busted on a yacht in Townsville.

The Australian Federal Police Northern Command, which covers the entire state, has had a mammoth year striking against organised crime and prevented 1.8 tonnes of illicit drugs from reaching the streets.

AFP Assistant Commissioner Justine Gough said the potential damage of such a huge amount of drugs would have been significant.

“Almost two tonnes of drugs would have done considerable damage to the Australian community at a time when the cost of living is already putting pressure on families and services,” Ms Gough said.

Most notably, two men were arrested earlier this year for their alleged involvement in the importation of 247kg of cocaine on board a yacht in Townsville.

The $61 million haul was concealed in the yacht’s hull which sailed to North Queensland from Vanuatu in July.

The AFP has charged two men with importing a commercial quantity of cocaine as part of an investigation into 247kg of cocaine seized from a yacht moored in Townsville.

Two men were arrested in Canberra where officers found $290,000 in a vacuum sealed bag, which police allege was thrown out the window of the apartment when AFP knocked on the front door.

Police also intercepted the largest ever shipment of heroin detected in Queensland – 336kg concealed inside two concrete blocks marked as solar panels bound for Brendale in Brisbane.

The drugs were allegedly sent from Malaysia, and had an estimated street value of $268.8 million.

Ms Gough said Queensland officers were instrumental is stopping those imports, and she had a stern warning for criminals.

“These operations highlight the AFP’s commitment to working with our partners to dismantle serious organised crime in Queensland,” Ms Gough said.

The AFP has charged two men with importing a commercial quantity of cocaine as part of an investigation into 247kg of cocaine seized from a yacht moored in Townsville.

“If you are involved in importing drugs as part of organised crime activity in Queensland, we will come after you, your associates and partners, your money and your ill-gotten trappings of wealth.

“The AFP has the resources and partnerships in Australia and abroad to take the fight to transnational serious organised crime groups looking to exploit our communities.”