An international drug ring was busted following a joint operation between the US and Australian law enforcement, following which, 2.4 tonnes of cocaine aboard a vessel bound for Australia off the coast of South America was intercepted. Reuters reported that the cocaine was linked to a Mexican drug cartel and had a street value of around $677 million.
The amount was equivalent to half of Australia’s estimated annual consumption, making the operation one of the biggest drug busts that Australian police have been involved in.
Biggest drug bust
Western Australian police released a statement on Saturday and announced that 12 suspects have been arrested and charged in connection with the case. This was the first time that the authorities revealed details of the operation that began in November 2022 with the interception of the vessel.
According to the police, the cargo bound for Australia was substituted with identically packed fake cocaine. Three people who were suspected to be members of the “Australian arm of a drug syndicate” were arrested with 1.2 tonnes of fake cocaine on December 30 for allegedly making three trips to collect the packages.
Nine others were arrested by January 13. A 39-year-old male US citizen was among the 12 charged, said police. Western Australia police commissioner Col Blanch applauded the success of “Operation Beech” and said it sent a message to international drug traffickers that their drugs are not welcome.
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Source: Reuters
