The AFP is calling for public assistance after an estimated 80kg of cocaine was found in a shipping container at Port Botany.
Australian Border Force (ABF) officers on Monday (11 August, 2025) examined the shipping container, which had arrived from the USA, after x-rays identified some anomalies in it.
A forensic examination revealed two bags containing multiple packages of a substance that tested positive for cocaine, each wrapped in blue clingfilm with a '464' label.
The AFP seized the drugs and inquiries are now underway to identify the criminal syndicate responsible for the importation.
AFP Detective Acting Superintendent Stuart Millen said the cocaine had an estimated potential street value of $26 million.
"Criminals who conspire to smuggle harmful drugs into Australia do not care about the pain and misery they inflict on our communities," Det a/Supt Millen said.
"The AFP and our partners are committed to targeting individuals who seek to profit from the illicit drug trade, and identifying criminal groups responsible for the large-scale importation of these harmful substances."
Det a/Supt Millen urged anyone with information about the importation to contact police.
ABF Superintendent Jared Leighton said this detection was a potential example of the varying ways criminal syndicates embed themselves in the international supply chain.
"The illicit drugs found within this container were not concealed, which could be indicative of a 'rip-on/rip-off' method - as cargo moves from the country of origin to the country of destination, criminal insiders could tamper with legal shipments," Supt Leighton said.
"The ABF works closely with our industry partners and international logistics companies to disrupt the infiltration of the supply chain both on and offshore.
"Combating the threat of organised crime is one which we all must tackle together. The ABF works with state and federal law enforcement to identify and target those who seek to exploit our border controls.
"The Australian border is one of our most critical national assets. The ABF will continue to make the border a hostile environment for criminals."
