The Australian Border Force (ABF) and Australian Federal Police (AFP) seized almost 65kg of cocaine potentially worth more than $21 million from a shipping container in Brisbane recently.
On 24 October 2025, ABF's intelligence-led targeting led officers to intercept a consignment from Panama declared as 20 packages containing 2380 wooden slats.
Officers x-rayed the shipping container and noticed anomalies within its flooring.
ABF detector dogs attended and provided a positive indication of narcotics within the consignment.
Upon examination of a steel cross beam under the flooring, ABF officers located and removed 108 bricks of a white substance wrapped in black plastic. Testing of the white substance returned a presumptive positive result for cocaine and ABF officers reported the matter to the Australian Federal Police (AFP).
Forensic testing by the AFP confirmed the bags contained 64.8kg of cocaine with an estimated street value of $21 million.
ABF Superintendent David Henderson commended the work of his officers, who he said had prevented significant harm by detecting this dangerous consignment before it reached the Australian community.
"The seizure is the direct result of intelligence-led targeting and the professionalism and dedication of our ABF officers," SUPT Henderson said.
"It demonstrates how our intelligence, technology and partnerships are working to disrupt organised crime networks attempting to exploit our border.
"ABF officers remain steadfast in their mission to protect the Australian community from the devastating impact of illicit drugs."
AFP acting Superintendent Shane Scott said this seizure highlighted the key role AFP and ABF play in targeting concealed drug shipments at Australia's borders.
"This amount of cocaine could have resulted in 324,000 street level deals, which could have done untold harm had it made it into the Australian community," a/Supt Scott said.
"Investigations into the origin of the shipment are ongoing, and anyone with information regarding this matter should contact authorities."
Anyone with information is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
