The AFP and Australian Border Force (ABF) are seeking public assistance following the seizure of 14kg of cocaine concealed within a consignment of two tonnes of fruit pulp at Melbourne Airport.
The international air cargo shipment arrived into Melbourne on 7 May, 2026. ABF officers conducted an initial x-ray examination of the produce as a result of the shipment being identified as high- risk, which indicated an anomaly in a number of boxes in the consignment.
A subsequent physical examination identified 16 boxes of interest suspected to have border-controlled drugs concealed within them.
The consignment was seized by the AFP with presumptive testing indicating the substance was cocaine, with the total seizure weighing 14kg.
Authorities are seeking information from members of the public who may have been contacted about potentially buying a shipment of fruit pulp, or being asked to dispose of it. Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
AFP Detective Superintendent Ray Imbriano said organised crime groups continued to use sophisticated consignment methods in attempts to smuggle illicit drugs into Australia.
"Criminal syndicates are becoming more creative with their attempts to conceal these types of drugs," Det-Supt Imbriano said.
"Australian law enforcement agencies have extensive methods to detect and intercept these types of consignments, and we are steadfast in our mission to keep these harmful substances out of Australia"
"The AFP and our domestic and international partners, will continue to protect the community by disrupting and dismantling organised crime groups and their efforts to profit off the misery illicit substances cause in our community."
ABF Acting Superintendent Claudine Lupton said that ABF officers were committed to keeping Australians safe.
"The ongoing interception and seizure of illicit drugs reiterates the ABF's commitment to dismantling criminal networks while ensuring legitimate trade is maintained," a/Supt Lupton said.
"No matter the methods criminals use to try and hide illicit goods, the ABF and our partners are focused on protecting Australians from this harmful trade."
