A joint investigation by the AFP and Chilean authorities has led to the arrest of four people for their alleged roles in a failed plot to import 23kg of cocaine into Australia.
Inquiries by the Policia de Investigaciones de Chile (PDI) uncovered alleged plans by an organised crime network to import cocaine into Australia via a commercial aircraft.
The PDI seized the cocaine, which has an estimated Australian street value of $17 million, and shared intelligence with AFP investigators.
The AFP used an inert substance to replicate the cocaine packages and on Tuesday (13 October, 2026), undertook a controlled delivery to a Port Botany car park.
The AFP will allege two men, both aged 33, attended the car park and attempted to take possession of the purported cocaine.
They were arrested and later charged with attempting to possess a commercial quantity of a border controlled drug, contrary to subsections 11.1(1) and 307.5(1) of the Criminal Code (Cth), an offence which carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
They each appeared before Downing Centre Local Court on Wednesday (14 October, 2026) where they were refused bail. They will return to the same court on 9 December, 2026.
AFP investigators later executed search warrants at properties in Liverpool and Georges Hall, where they seized about 5kg of MDMA, about $8,000 cash, scales and about 10kg of a suspected drug-cutting agent.
AFP investigators based in South America worked alongside the PDI to execute search warrants in Chile, resulting in the arrest of two people, a Bolivian national and an Argentinian national, for their alleged involvement in the attempted importation.
The individuals have each been charged with drug trafficking and criminal association offences.
AFP Detective Superintendent Morgen Blunden said the AFP's global program was helping supercharge efforts to combat organised crime worldwide and keep communities safe.
"The AFP has personnel deployed around the globe because organised crime is not confined by borders," Det-Supt Blunden said.
"Our international network allows the AFP to identify and disrupt criminal ventures before illicit drugs reach Australian shores, often thousands of kilometres from Australia.
"In this matter, information shared by the PDI enabled authorities in Australia and Chile to work as one team to target those allegedly involved in this criminal venture.
"Every kilogram of cocaine prevented from reaching Australia helps protect our communities from the significant harm caused by illicit drugs, including addiction, violence and the exploitation that fuels organised crime."
The National Chief of Organised Crime (Jenaco) of the Chilean Investigative Police, Prefect Inspector Erick Menay, said: "Operation Killer demonstrates the investigative capacity of the PDI and the importance of international police cooperation to confront transnational organised crime.
"Through coordinated work with the AFP, we managed to dismantle an organisation dedicated to the shipment of cocaine from Chile to Australia, with four people arrested in both countries.
"This investigative process also made it possible to identify methods of operation and financing through cryptocurrencies, reaffirming our commitment to the development of specialised investigations to pursue criminal organisations, regardless of the borders where they operate."
