The fallout from last week's 'Narco Sub' bust continues as Australian authorities have seized a record $500 million in cocaine.
Last week, the world's largest 'narco sub' drug bust took place with authorities from 62 countries seizing more than $8 billion in narcotics.
In that bust, code named Operation Orion, 62 partner countries cooperated to size over 1,400 tons of drugs (2.8 million lbs). Over 400 people were arrested around the globe.
Yesterday, a bust in Australia led to another record as authorities captured a fishing boat containing $500 million USD in cocaine. The vessel was carrying over 2.3 tons (4600 lbs) of the illicit drug.
Yesterday's bust, code named Operation Tyrrendor, may add to the overall total thanks to possible links between the two events.
The turmoil began last week with the interception of six 'narco subs' -- unique semi-submersible vessels designed to transport drugs -- one of which was carrying a whopping 5 tons (10,000 lbs) of cocaine. One boat was intercepted near the small coral reef atoll of Clipperton Island off the coast of France, marking the first time a narco sub had ever been captured on a trans-Atlantic route. The vessels were headed from Colombia to Australia.
The other five vessels showcased improved design and capability from the traffickers, with the subs employing a host of anti-detection technology like re-routed exhaust and camouflage colour schemes making them nearly invisible to sonar, radar, and infrared.
Experts believe the latest iterations are estimated to cost upwards of $2 million USD to build and launch, with most only being used for a single trip, typically from a South American nexus like Colombia to Western countries like Mexico, the United States, the UK, and Australia. Authorities believe the subs captured in last week's bust were capable of completing the 10,000 mile (16,000 km) journey without refueling. Several of the seized vessels utilized outboard motors, with one carrying triple outboards capable of pushing 750 total horsepower across the Atlantic.
With an additional $500 million now taken off the streets, authorities arrested 13 people —11 men and two juveniles— including the vessel's crew and others waiting onshore to collect the shipment. Among those detained was the Vice President of the Brisbane chapter of the Comanchero outlaw motorcycle gang, according to the Australian Federal Police (AFP).
Biker gangs like Comancheros have long been associated with drug-related violence in Australia, with over 1,000 shootings linked to such groups since the 1980s. This bust, however, marks a significant increase in size and magnitude for the island continent.
The record shipment is believed to have originated from South America, although authorities haven't narrowed down its exact point of origin or confirmed its connection to Operation Orion. Given the fallout from the arrests last week, it is believed the bust was connected.
Investigators said the cocaine was being transported from a larger mothership to the Queensland coast by fishing boat. Authorities said the fishing boat had recently been purchased by a 35 year old man and was being tracked. But on Saturday night, the vessel broke down about 18 kilometers (11 miles) from the northeastern tip of K'gari (formerly Fraser Island). It was then intercepted by the AFP and Queensland Police Service (QPS). Authorities discovered 51 bales of cocaine bound together with rope netting.
Two men were arrested aboard the boat, while two others were detained onshore waiting for the shipment. Additional arrests included three individuals at a nearby fast-food restaurant, five at a traffic stop, and one in Brisbane following the execution of a search warrant.
All 13 suspects face charges of conspiring to import a commercial quantity of cocaine. Under Australian law, the crimes carry a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
Comments