Massive cocaine haul: 3.2 tonnes of cocaine found floating in the Pacific Ocean

A record amount of cocaine that would fuel the Australian market for a year has been found floating in international waters.

3.2 tonnes of cocaine was found floating in the Pacific. Picture: NZ Police

A huge haul of cocaine that was likely destined for Australia has been found drifting in the Pacific.

The record 3.2 tonnes of cocaine was found in 81 bales and was picked up by a New Zealand navy vessel.

The cocaine was found set up in nets with floatation devices keeping it afloat until it was collected.

It was found six days ago northeast of New Zealand in international waters.

NZ Police Commissioner Andrew Coster said the amount of drugs meant it was probably headed for the lucrative Australian market.

The huge haul of cociane was likely headed for Australia. Picture: NZ Police

The drugs were found floating in the Pacific Ocean. Picture: NZ Police

“We believe there was enough cocaine to service the Australian market for about one year and this would be more than New Zealand would use in 30 years,” he said.

NZ National organised crime group detective superintendent Greg Williams said he was confident the cocaine was not intended for New Zealand.

“New Zealand is not a cocaine market. We are tiny compared to Australia so there is no way 3.2 tonnes are coming here.”

Mr Coster said the seizure was a major blow to the drugs syndicate behind it.

“This is one of the single biggest seizures of illegal drugs by authorities in this country. While this disrupts the syndicate’s operations, we remain vigilant given the lengths we know these groups will go to circumvent coming to law enforcement’s attention,” he said.

The cocaine has a street value of over $A450m

New Zealand authorities said they have dealt a significant blow to an international criminal syndicate’s operation. Picture: NZ Police

The cocaine has an estimated value of AUD $453 million.

New Zealand Customs Service Acting Comptroller Bill Perry said: “Customs is pleased to have helped prevent such a large amount of cocaine causing harm in communities here in New Zealand, Australia and elsewhere in the wider Pacific region.”

The AFP have been approached for comment.

Originally published as Massive cocaine haul: 3.2 tonnes of cocaine found floating in the Pacific Ocean