Investigation launched after almost 250kg of cocaine seized

An investigation is underway after more than $90 million worth of cocaine was located in a consignment in Sydney's south-west.

NSW Police inspected the consignment and located a large quantity of white powder, which returned a positive indicator for cocaine.

In total, 236kg of cocaine was seized, which has an estimated potential street value of more than $94 million.

Detectives from the State Crime Command's Organised Crime Squad have established Strike Force Mactier to investigate the suspected importation and supply of the cocaine.

Organised Crime Squad Commander, Detective Superintendent Peter Faux, said the excessive prices Australians are willing to pay for illicit drugs made the country a lucrative market for organised criminal networks.

"The demand for drugs – particularly cocaine – is a serious concern as while ever there is a demand, there will be criminal networks willing to risk it all to try and exploit that demand for profit," Det Supt Faux said.

"In recent years, the Organised Crime Squad has uncovered some sophisticated and not so sophisticated attempts to move narcotics around Australia – and this one certainly fits into the latter.

"Our investigation will focus on tracking this delivery back to its origins to establish those involved in the attempts to get these drugs onto the streets of Sydney.

"We will continue to harness skills and expertise from across State Crime Command in our relentless pursuit to disrupt the illicit activities of criminal networks who cause harm in our community," Det Supt Faux said.

Anyone with information that may assist Strike Force Mactier investigators is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.

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