The Australian Federal Police has seized about 374 kilograms of illicit drugs concealed inside a diesel generator at Port Botany in Sydney, with investigators revealing some of the packages were marked “Fiji”.
The Australian Federal Police is seeking public assistance after nearly 374 kilograms of illicit drugs were discovered hidden inside a heavy-duty diesel generator shipped to Sydney.
The generator arrived at Port Botany after travelling from Mexico through Malaysia before being intercepted by authorities earlier this year.
According to the AFP, Australian Border Force officers became suspicious after x-ray imaging detected internal anomalies during a routine cargo inspection.
A three-day forensic dismantling operation involving engineers later uncovered a massive concealment of drugs inside the machinery.
The haul included 120 kilograms of cocaine, 250 kilograms of methamphetamine, three kilograms of MDMA and 800 grams of 2CB, bringing the total estimated weight to 373.8 kilograms.
AFP Detective Acting Superintendent Stuart Kimbell said the drugs were likely intended for distribution among multiple criminal groups.
“This mixed bag of illicit drugs was likely destined for several different criminal groups, to be sold into a range of communities,” Det a/Supt Kimbell said.
“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.”
Investigators are now appealing for information from members of the public who may have been approached about storing generators or assisting with repairs or spare parts.
“Criminal networks which attempt to bring harmful drugs into our country have no regard for the devastation these substances cause to individuals, families and communities,” Kimbell said.
ABF Superintendent Jared Leighton said criminal syndicates continue investing significant resources into sophisticated concealment methods.
“ABF officers are highly skilled at identifying anomalies across all forms of incoming cargo, no matter how elaborate the concealment,” Supt Leighton said.
Police say investigations are continuing to identify the syndicate behind the importation.
