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Editor’s note: Images of cocaine seizure and audio grabs available via Hightail

The AFP is appealing to the public for information after authorities seized more than 200kg of cocaine concealed in the hull of a cargo ship, which first docked in the Port of Melbourne.

Australian Border Force (ABF) officers used an underwater Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) to search a vessel docked in Melbourne’s Maribyrnong Terminal on 9 August, after it had travelled from Argentina via New Zealand.

ABF officers using the ROV identified a suspicious hull attachment in the ship’s sea chest, an area of the vessel that contains pipes used to pump sea water into and out of the ballast tanks.

Specialist divers from Victoria Police Search and Rescue Squad retrieved packages of cocaine from inside the sea chest which were then seized by the AFP.

The AFP seized a total of about 200kg of cocaine from the ship – with an estimated street value of $80 million* – and began an investigation to identify the source of the drugs and its intended destination.

AFP Commander Richard Chin said attachments underneath the waterline of cargo ships have been regularly noticed by law enforcement over the past two decades, and retrieval of containers such as this can result in death or serious injury to drug smugglers.

“This concealment method is not new, and this seizure is another case of law enforcement remaining one step ahead of criminals attempting to bring harmful, illicit drugs into our country and into our community,” Commander Chin said.

“We have prevented 200kgs of cocaine from reaching our streets and in doing so, we have prevented approximately one million street deals and the significant harm to our society that flows as a result.

“The focus of our ongoing investigation remains on identifying and locating the transnational serious organised crime groups responsible for this attempted import, and the people working for them in Australia to receive and distribute these drugs.”

The ship and crew were permitted to continue its journey after it was searched. It travelled from Victoria across to Western Australia, and then back to South Australia. Commander Chin urged anyone with information relating to the seizure, or suspicious activity in ports in all three states, to come forward.

“It could be something small from an unusual boat purchase paid in cash, through to suspicious activity at one of our ports. Every piece of information reported to law enforcement can help put together the picture to help us find those responsible.”

ABF Commander Clinton Sims, Maritime and Enforcement South, said Australia was being targeted by organised crime groups moving illegal drugs through the border using parasitic hull attachments on commercial ships.

“In response, the ABF is utilising submersible ROVs to enhance our ability to conduct mass screening of shipping vessel hulls and void spaces to detect below-the-waterline concealments of illegal drugs.

“This was an outstanding detection by ABF officers. Despite international law enforcement agency operations, organised crime groups continue to import illegal drugs on board commercial vessels destined for Australia.

“Our border is one of our most critical national assets and criminals should know that our efforts will continue to detect, disrupt and dismantle transnational organised crime groups who seek to test the integrity of Australia's border.”

Victoria Police Search and Rescue Inspector James Dalton said this seizure demonstrated the skills of specialist divers and how serious police are in detecting and deterring this activity.

“Our message is clear: if you are attempting to import drugs or illegal goods via ships into Victoria, we will detect them and ensure the people involved are held to account.

“We will do anything we can to prevent drugs from reaching the hands of vulnerable Victorians.”

The AFP is urging witnesses or anyone with information relating to suspicious activity around the Port of Maribyrnong in Melbourne on or around 9 August, 2023 – or in the Port of Fremantle or Port Adelaide in the week that followed – to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Members of the public can report information anonymously to Crime Stoppers via 1800 333 000 and online crimestoppers.com.au.

*Source: ACIC Illicit Drug Calculator 2019-2020.

Note to media:

Media are encouraged to include help-seeking information in stories about illicit drugs to minimise any negative impact on people in the community. The following services provide people with access to support and information.

For free and confidential advice about alcohol and other drug treatment services call the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline on 1800 250 015.

Access free 24/7 drug and alcohol counselling online at www.counsellingonline.org.au.

For information about drug and alcohol addiction treatment or support, go to www.turningpoint.org.au.

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