Aussie Police Arrest 13 Suspects, Seize 2.3 Tons Of Cocaine

Australian authorities seized a record 2.3 tons of cocaine and arrested 13 people in raids following the breakdown of the suspects’ boat off the coast of Queensland, Charlotte Graham-McLay reported for the Associated Press (AP).

The arrests, carried out over the weekend, followed a month-long investigation after a tipoff about the Comancheros motorcycle gang's involvement in a multi-ton smuggling operation.

The cocaine, valued at 760 million Australian dollars ($494 million), represented an estimated 11.7 million street deals if distributed. Australian Federal Police stated the drugs were smuggled from an unidentified South American country.

The arrests, carried out over the weekend, followed a month-long investigation after a tipoff about the Comancheros motorcycle gang's involvement in a multi-ton smuggling operation.

According to Australian Federal Police Commander Stephen Jay, the suspects made two attempts to transport the drugs from a mothership positioned hundreds of kilometers offshore.

The first boat broke down, and the second vessel foundered, leaving the suspects stranded at sea for hours until police raided their fishing boat and seized the drugs. Jay confirmed that the mothership, located in international waters, was not apprehended.