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)

Israeli Minister Barkat sees significant increase in commercial ties with India

Israel's Economy Minister Nir Barkat, currently on a visit to India, expressed the potential for collaboration between the two countries, stating that India is seen as a "brother" and such cooperation can "boost and scale our growth". The minister is on an India visit & is the first minister under the current Netanyahu govt to visit the country. Speaking to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, he said, "I understand the potential of collaboration with India...we could actually together provide to the world new ideas, new initiatives in food production from the sea in Agrotech". During India visit Barkat, who has served as mayor of Jerusalem in the past, will hold a meeting with Indian Trade Minister Piyush Goyal and travel to Mumbai as well. Asked about Adani's investment in his country & concern regarding the recent Hindenberg report, he said, " we are proud of the fact that an Indian businessman invested in Israel, the fact that Israel accepted that investment in a positive way." Adani group has invested in Israel's Haifa port. The minister also spoke about challenges arising from terrorism, protests in his country etc.

Israeli minister in a conversation with WION on combating terrorism from neighbouring states

Israel's Economy Minister Nir Barkat, currently on a visit to India, expressed the potential for collaboration between the two countries, stating that India is seen as a "brother" and such cooperation can "boost and scale our growth". The minister is on an India visit & is the first minister under the current Netanyahu govt to visit the country. Speaking to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, he said, "I understand the potential of collaboration with India...we could actually together provide to the world new ideas, new initiatives in food production from the sea in Agrotech". During India visit Barkat, who has served as mayor of Jerusalem in the past, will hold a meeting with Indian Trade Minister Piyush Goyal and travel to Mumbai as well. Asked about Adani's investment in his country & concern regarding the recent Hindenberg report, he said, " we are proud of the fact that an Indian businessman invested in Israel, the fact that Israel accepted that investment in a positive way."Adani group has invested in Israel's Haifa port. The minister also spoke about challenges arising from terrorism, protests in his country etc.

Nir Barkat: A very bright future for cooperation between India and Israel

Israel's Economy Minister Nir Barkat sees India as brother, eyes growth through collaboration | WION

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Israeli Minister Barkat sees significant increase in commercial ties with India

Israeli minister in a conversation with WION on combating terrorism from neighbouring states

Nir Barkat: A very bright future for cooperation between India and Israel

Israel's Economy Minister Nir Barkat sees India as brother, eyes growth through collaboration | WION