Today we can reveal the details of a complex joint investigation which has led to the seizure of 233
kilograms of cocaine and the arrests of two men. This operation has disrupted a cocaine shipment from
what we believe was a Mexican cartel trying to target Australian communities. The joint
investigation commenced in September this year when a shipping container of bulk metal arrived
into Sydney sent from Mexico. Screening by Australia border force officials revealed
the shipment contained a total of 1,890 aluminum ingots. The shipment of ingots were subject to
screening by the ABF which revealed anomalies. Australian Federal Police forensic
experts were called in to examine the ingots and it was then they discovered a complex attempt to
conceal the drugs. Hidden inside some of the individual aluminium ingots were the blocks
of cocaine. This was a complex concealment and our investigators and forensic specialists had
to slice the top off each and every ingot using industrial machinery to reveal the
blocks hidden within the ingots. The method of concealment we have uncovered tells us
this was an importation by sophisticated organised, transnational criminal syndicate
who used industrial concealment techniques in an attempt to evade detection. And the
total weight of the cocaine was ultimately 233 kilograms. If it made it to Australian streets this
could have reached a maximum estimated street value of a hundred and four million dollars
"No"
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As a result of extensive inquiries, we identified two men: a 49-year-old man
from Auburn, New South Wales, and a 61-year-old man from the United Kingdom who is currently
living in Castle Hill. Yesterday we executed search warrants on the homes and vehicles
of the men in Auburn and Castle Hill, where we located a number of the ingots and other
relevant evidence at the scenes. We will allege these men were involved in attempting
to possess the cocaine and preparing the cocaine for distribution into the community
This cocaine would've crossed borders and oceans in an attempt to reach our streets. Organized
by criminal network based in Mexico who do not care about the lives they impact along the way
As part of an investigative process to target this transnational organized crime group, we are
working with all our overseas partners and we will continue inquiries with our AFP liaison
officer in Mexico. We are working to disrupt the supply offshore but what we see is the demand
for drugs in Australia is adding fuel to this drug trade. Australians are willing to pay significant
higher prices which makes us an attractive market to organized crime and as a community we need to
be asking ourselves why. And what are we doing to support people who turn to drugs. We would
encourage anyone out there who hears this and is struggling with addiction to please call the
national alcohol and other drug hotline on 1-800 250-015 for free and confidential advice. Lastly
I just like to thank the men and women from all the agencies that have been out in the field. What
you hear about today is about 5% of the actual investigation that took place over the last two
days. The other 95% behind the scenes since September has been a fantastic effort by the officers from
all our agencies working in collaboration to bring about this result. So thank you