The biggest ever drug bust in South Australia has been made, after 416kg of cocaine was found by cops.
It will be alleged that the drug shipment — with an estimated street value of more than $250 million — was smuggled into Australia when crew members of a bulk cargo carrier dropped the drugs at a predetermined location in the ocean in waters around the Yorke Peninsula area on or near March 15.
As a result, four Filipino men who worked on the ship called have been charged with importing a commercial quantity of a controlled drug and are before the courts.
If convicted, they each face a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
Australian Federal Police Assistant Commissioner Peter Harvey said there were about 20 crew members on board and more people were expected to be charged over the “significant” drug bust.
He said the police probe began in mid March after authorities received credible intelligence of the bulk cargo carrier’s shipment.
The joint investigation involving Australian Federal Police (AFP), Australian Border Force (ABF), South Australian Police, Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission and Department of Home Affairs is ongoing.
“The sheer volume of drugs seized was a clear indication that the haul was not just for SA but more than likely destined for the major cities in the country,” Assistant Commissioner Harvey said.
“There is the perception by some that cocaine is the ‘social drug’. It's not. It’s a dangerous drug. It’s banned for a reason. It creates mayhem across the globe and we (in Australia) are no different.
“At its core, organised crime has a strong impact our whole way of life. It impacts our national security, our economy, our whole security system so there is nothing glamorous about organised crime despite what some TV-movies say. They’re here to pray on us.
“We have some of the highest per capita uses of cocaine in the world so there is a societal issue we need to look at.”
Assistant Commissioner Harvey said authorities would work “tirelessly” to look at everyone involved in the network because such a feat would have involved planning and forecasting.
“These drugs don’t just drop out the sky … it's a business to criminals.
“There is no evidence its linked to (Operation) Ironside … but it won't surprise with if somewhere there is a link but it’s not there yet.”
ABF Chief Superintendent Alex Kelsall said officers searched the bulk carrier at Port Adelaide on March 17 and obtained evidence that suggested drugs had been dropped in the sea by that vessel.
It simulated a response by authorities and found the drugs four day later.
“The operation was a testament to the skill and professionalism of the border force officers who were essentially searching for a needle in the haystack at that time,” Superintendent Kelsall said.
Anyone with information linked to the vessel that is birthed at Porxjmtzywt Adelaide is asked to come forward.
