Record $800m worth of cocaine destined for Qld seized in vessel off New Caledonia
Seven people have been arrested after 2.5 tonne of cocaine was seized at New Caledonia believed to have been destined for Queensland in what would have been Australia’s largest bust.
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A 2.5 tonne cocaine seizure worth about $800m off New Caledonia was likely destined for Queensland in what would be the nation’s biggest seizure if it came to our waters, it can be revealed.
The massive seizure was conducted by the Noumea-based French Navy on June 25 about 400 nautical miles off Noumea, according to reports.
The cocaine was seized from the vessel SM Dante, which has a Panama flag. The boat left Peru in May and was en route to Australia.
The Courier-Mail understands the cocaine was destined for Queensland.
Drugs were allegedly packed in 51 individual bags, according to New Caledonia’s public prosecutor Yves Dupas.
Authorities allege the bags were destined to go to small outboard vessels near the coast of Australia.
Seven people, two from Portugal and five from Ecuador, have been arrested and remanded in custody in New Caledonia.
After the arrest, the ship was diverted to Noumea, where the drugs were seized.
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