MORE than 30 drug packages marked “Fiji” were found among a massive 373-kilogram drug haul uncovered inside a diesel generator at Sydney’s Port Botany, raising fresh questions about regional trafficking links.
This is not the first time drug packages marked “Fiji” have been found in an overseas country. In November 2024, Spanish Police has seized 13 tonnes of cocaine in a shipment of bananas in an Ecuadorian container at the southern port of Algeciras in Spain, that were also marked “Fiji”
The Australian seizure yesterday was announced by the Australian Federal Police after officers uncovered cocaine, methamphetamine, MDMA (ecstasy) and 2CB (synthetic psychedelic drug) hidden deep inside heavy machinery shipped from Mexico through Malaysia before arriving in Australia.
Authorities say the shipment contained 106 one-kilogram cocaine blocks, an additional 14 kilograms of cocaine in vacuum-sealed packs, 250 kilograms of methamphetamine, three kilograms of MDMA and 800 grams of 2CB.
Investigators are now trying to identify the criminal syndicate behind the importation, while the appearance of “Fiji” markings on dozens of the drug packs is expected to attract significant regional attention.
AFP Detective Acting Superintendent Stuart Kimbell said organised crime groups continued using increasingly sophisticated methods to move drugs internationally.
“Despite the elaborate attempt to conceal such a large quantity of drugs, the coordinated efforts of law enforcement ensured these substances never reached Australian streets.”
ABF Superintendent Jared Leighton said criminal syndicates were investing significant resources into concealment operations.
“We know criminal syndicates invest significant time and resources into attempts to evade detection, and this seizure shows those efforts are no match against coordinated enforcement capabilities,” Leighton said.
