Australian police have scored the biggest cocaine bust in the country's history after seizing 2.3 tonnes of cocaine from a fishing boat that had broken down off the coast of Queensland. The authorities have arrested 13 people, including two juveniles who were allegedly part of a drug-smuggling syndicate.

The drugs have been valued at an estimated A$760 million&nbsp;($490mn), which could have been distributed across 11.7 million street deals.

According to CNN, the boat experienced a suspected mechanical breakdown, leaving the accused stranded 18 kilometres (11 miles) off the northeastern tip of K’gari island on November 30. The boat was on its way to deliver the drugs to a larger mothership.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/colombian-navy-seizes-8-billion-worth-of-cocaine-in-narco-submarine-bust-780003">Colombian navy seizes cocaine worth $8 billion in narco-submarine bust</a>

The Australian Federal Police (AFP) had been tracking the recreational fishing boat and boarded it after it broke down.

While two men were arrested onboard the boat, the other 11 were arrested on shore, waiting for the shipment and in nearby areas.

AFP has said one of the men is identified as the Brisbane vice president of the Comanchero Outlaw Motorcycle Gang, who is accused of violence, trafficking, and extortion.

The recent cocaine bust was part of an extensive investigation into the notorious gang, which started last month.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vietnamese-tycoon-behind-massive-bank-fraud-now-needs-9bn-to-save-her-life-781042">Vietnamese tycoon behind massive bank fraud now needs $9bn to save her life</a>

All the arrested are accused of being a part of a criminal syndicate and charged with conspiracy to import a commercial quantity of drugs, which has a maximum punishment of life imprisonment. Authorities have said that the shipment came from an unknown South American country, according to BBC.

Last week, the Colombian navy intercepted a semi-submersible transporting illegal drugs to Australia.

(With inputs from agencies)

Australian police have scored the biggest cocaine bust in the country's history after seizing 2.3 tonnes of cocaine from a fishing boat that had broken down off the coast of Queensland.

Australian police have scored the biggest cocaine bust in the country's history after seizing 2.3 tonnes of cocaine from a fishing boat that had broken down off the coast of Queensland. The authorities have arrested 13 people, including two juveniles who were allegedly part of a drug-smuggling syndicate. The drugs have been valued at an estimated A$760 million ($490mn), which could have been distributed across 11.7 million street deals. According to CNN, the boat experienced a suspected mechanical breakdown, leaving the accused stranded 18 kilometres (11 miles) off the northeastern tip of K’gari island on November 30. The boat was on its way to deliver the drugs to a larger mothership. Also read | Colombian navy seizes cocaine worth $8 billion in narco-submarine bust The Australian Federal Police (AFP) had been tracking the recreational fishing boat and boarded it after it broke down. While two men were arrested onboard the boat, the other 11 were arrested on shore, waiting for the shipment and in nearby areas. AFP has said one of the men is identified as the Brisbane vice president of the Comanchero Outlaw Motorcycle Gang, who is accused of violence, trafficking, and extortion. The recent cocaine bust was part of an extensive investigation into the notorious gang, which started last month. Also read | Vietnamese tycoon behind massive bank fraud now needs $9bn to save her life All the arrested are accused of being a part of a criminal syndicate and charged with conspiracy to import a commercial quantity of drugs, which has a maximum punishment of life imprisonment. Authorities have said that the shipment came from an unknown South American country, according to BBC. Last week, the Colombian navy intercepted a semi-submersible transporting illegal drugs to Australia. (With inputs from agencies)

Australian police seize $500mn cocaine, the biggest bust in its history, because a boat broke down

Colombia on Saturday (Jan 20) intercepted the first narco-submarine of the year 2024 off the country’s Pacific Coast. The Columbian Navy said Monday that the submarine was destined for Europe and US. The 15-metre homemade submarine was carrying almost 800 kg&nbsp;of cocaine in small packages the size of bricks. The packages were embossed with signs of scorpions and Mexican flags.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">
Colombia captures narco-submarine carrying 1,763 pounds of cocaine 
 
📹: The Associated Press 
💻: Tsaqif Hashim 
🎼: Envato 
⁠<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/worldnews?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#worldnews</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/borneobulletin?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#borneobulletin</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/topheadlines?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#topheadlines</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/headlines?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#headlines</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Colombia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Colombia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/submarine?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#submarine</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/narco?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#narco</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/cocaine?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#cocaine</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Navy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Navy</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/doses?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#doses</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/drugs?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#drugs</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MalagaBay?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MalagaBay</a> <a href="https://t.co/KlWrEkAr19">pic.twitter.com/KlWrEkAr19</a>
— Borneo Bulletin (@borneo_bulletin) <a href="https://twitter.com/borneo_bulletin/status/1749680406092247412?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 23, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Navy spokesman Capt. Wilmer Roa later said it was a smaller seize in comparison to what they have captured in 2023. “In reality, this was a small" seizure, Roa said. “We’ve caught submarines with almost 3,500 kilos” of the drug, he added. He also mentioned that the Colombian Navy had captured at least 10 such narco-submarines in 2023.

<h2>Cocaine boom in Colombia</h2>

Over the past few years, the Colombian government has faced significant hurdles in its efforts to control cocaine production. This struggle is intensified as rebel groups and drug trafficking gangs exploit territories that were vacated by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia guerrillas following their peace deal with the government in 2016.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-jsarwt="1" data-usg="AOvVaw3Frq22NYIKR8djboqgME85" data-ved="2ahUKEwjv6sDI0fODAxXTVmwGHUR0AfYQxfQBKAB6BAgQEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/colombia-launches-new-anti-drug-plan-till-2033-heres-what-it-focuses-on-642305" jsname="YKoRaf">Colombia launches new anti-drug plan till 2033. Here`s what it focuses on</a>

Alarming statistics from the UN's Office for Drug and Crime highlight the severity of the situation. In 2022, the area cultivated with coca bushes in Colombia reached an unprecedented 230,000 hectares. Simultaneously, the potential production of cocaine surged to 1,700 tons, marking a substantial 24 per cent increase from the previous year.

<h2>Ecuador emerges as a major transit route</h2>

While Colombia grapples with the escalation of cocaine production, Ecuador has emerged as a notable transit route for smuggling the illicit drug. Recent reports indicate that Ecuadorian officials seized a submarine carrying 3.2 tonnes of cocaine. Remarkably, this successful operation was facilitated by intelligence provided by Colombia's navy.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-jsarwt="1" data-usg="AOvVaw3V8PjzZMZsVYSXomKav5q-" data-ved="2ahUKEwjv6sDI0fODAxXTVmwGHUR0AfYQxfQBKAB6BAgOEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cocaine-set-to-become-colombias-main-export-says-report-636476" jsname="YKoRaf">Cocaine set to become Colombia`s main export soon, says report</a>

The modus operandi of drug traffickers involves the ingenious use of speedboat hulls to construct submersibles.

These vessels are then adapted to operate slightly below the sea surface, allowing them to navigate more discreetly.

The interconnected challenges of increased cocaine production in Colombia and the utilisation of Ecuador as a smuggling route underscore the complex and transnational nature of the illicit drug trade in the region.

(With inputs from agencies)

Colombia on Saturday (Jan 20) intercepted the first narco-submarine of the year 2024 off the country’s Pacific Coast. The Columbian Navy said Monday that the submarine was destined for Europe and US.

Colombia on Saturday (Jan 20) intercepted the first narco-submarine of the year 2024 off the country’s Pacific Coast. The Columbian Navy said Monday that the submarine was destined for Europe and US. The 15-metre homemade submarine was carrying almost 800 kg of cocaine in small packages the size of bricks. The packages were embossed with signs of scorpions and Mexican flags. Colombia captures narco-submarine carrying 1,763 pounds of cocaine 📹: The Associated Press 💻: Tsaqif Hashim 🎼: Envato ⁠#worldnews #borneobulletin #topheadlines #headlines #Colombia #submarine #narco #cocaine #Navy #doses #drugs #MalagaBay pic.twitter.com/KlWrEkAr19 — Borneo Bulletin (@borneo_bulletin) January 23, 2024 × Navy spokesman Capt. Wilmer Roa later said it was a smaller seize in comparison to what they have captured in 2023. “In reality, this was a small" seizure, Roa said. “We’ve caught submarines with almost 3,500 kilos” of the drug, he added. He also mentioned that the Colombian Navy had captured at least 10 such narco-submarines in 2023. Cocaine boom in Colombia Over the past few years, the Colombian government has faced significant hurdles in its efforts to control cocaine production. This struggle is intensified as rebel groups and drug trafficking gangs exploit territories that were vacated by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia guerrillas following their peace deal with the government in 2016. Also read: Colombia launches new anti-drug plan till 2033. Here`s what it focuses on Alarming statistics from the UN's Office for Drug and Crime highlight the severity of the situation. In 2022, the area cultivated with coca bushes in Colombia reached an unprecedented 230,000 hectares. Simultaneously, the potential production of cocaine surged to 1,700 tons, marking a substantial 24 per cent increase from the previous year. Ecuador emerges as a major transit route While Colombia grapples with the escalation of cocaine production, Ecuador has emerged as a notable transit route for smuggling the illicit drug. Recent reports indicate that Ecuadorian officials seized a submarine carrying 3.2 tonnes of cocaine. Remarkably, this successful operation was facilitated by intelligence provided by Colombia's navy. Also read: Cocaine set to become Colombia`s main export soon, says report The modus operandi of drug traffickers involves the ingenious use of speedboat hulls to construct submersibles. These vessels are then adapted to operate slightly below the sea surface, allowing them to navigate more discreetly. The interconnected challenges of increased cocaine production in Colombia and the utilisation of Ecuador as a smuggling route underscore the complex and transnational nature of the illicit drug trade in the region. (With inputs from agencies)

Watch: Colombian Navy captures submarine carrying 800 kg of cocaine

cocaine-seized

Cocaine Seized, News on Cocaine Seized, stories on Cocaine Seized, articles on Cocaine Seized, Cocaine Seized stories at Wion, Cocaine Seized news, Cocaine Seized latest news

cocaine seized

Australian police seize $500mn cocaine, the biggest bust in its history, because a boat broke down

Watch: Colombian Navy captures submarine carrying 800 kg of cocaine