Media Release
80kg cocaine interception may be linked to larger Brisbane seizure
This is a joint media release between the Australian Federal Police and Australian Border Force
Editor’s note: An image of the seizure available via Hightail.
The AFP and Australian Border Force (ABF) are examining potential links between an 80kg cocaine shipment destined for Sydney and a 253kg seizure in Brisbane two months ago.
Packages in the most recent detection in a container bound for Port Botany, Sydney, featured unique branding with images of lions and panthers. Similar branding was used on packages found in a 253kg cocaine seizure in Brisbane in June, 2025.
The container arrived on a cargo ship in Sydney in early August. The AFP is urging anyone with information regarding these drugs to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
The AFP and ABF have released pictures of the latest detection, which feature pictures of the exterior of the bricks of cocaine, which have been wrapped in various layers of black tape and a clear plastic film.
AFP Detective Acting Superintendent Stuart Millen said investigations into the group responsible and potential links to the Brisbane seizure remained ongoing.
“If you have information about either seizure and the group behind them, please contact police. The smallest clue could be all it takes to help police identify those involved in this failed plot,” Det a/Supt Millen said.
“The AFP and its partners are committed to preventing harmful drugs reaching the Australian community. In this instance, the drugs could have had an estimated street value of $26 million.
ABF Superintendent Geoff Quinn said the collaboration of border agency partners resulted in hundreds of thousands of individual street deals being removed from the streets.
“The Australian Border Force monitors and intercepts consignments on a daily basis, acting as the first line of defence for our border security,” Supt Quinn said.
“We will continue to work alongside the AFP and our state, federal, and international law enforcement agencies to disrupt criminal syndicates who attempt to exploit our border controls.”
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.
- For information about drug and alcohol addiction treatment or support, go to the Turning Point website.
