Source : Perth Now news
Police in Sydney have allegedly seized 110kg of cocaine hidden inside a refrigerated shipping container transporting frozen berries from Chile.
Australian Border Force officers in Port Botany launched an investigation on June 24 after allegedly finding suspicious packages inside a refrigerated shipping container destined for northwest Sydney.
Investigators said they found 110 bricks of compressed white powder, which allegedly tested positive for cocaine.
The batch is estimated to have a street value of about $36m.
Police are seeking public assistance to identify the criminal syndicate allegedly responsible for the importation.
ABF Acting Superintendent Noleen Shankar said cocaine seizures had increased by 23 per cent compared to the same time last year.
“This highlights the expertise of ABF officers, leveraging intelligence-led targeting and their advanced operational capabilities to protect Australia’s border,” Superintendent Shankar said.
Australian Federal Police Detective Acting Superintendent Aaron Burgess said they were aware of a trend of criminal syndicates allegedly using refrigerated containers to import drugs into the country.
“Criminal networks which attempt to bring harmful drugs into our country have no regard for the devastation these substances cause to individuals, families and communities,” Superintendent Burgess said.
“The community are our eyes and ears, and any information, however big or small, may help us identify those responsible for this failed importation.”
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
