Massive Cocaine Haul Seized on Aussie Cargo Ship
In a major drug bust on July 22, 2022, Australian Border Force (ABF) officers uncovered a whopping 700kg of cocaine hidden inside denim bags on the container ship Maersk Inverness. The ship had docked just a day earlier, with the drugs stashed in a container marked “wood products.”
Cocaine Bricks Tagged with ‘Netflix’ and Numbers
AFP investigators later found 28 denim bags, each loaded with about 25kg of cocaine bricks. Forensic tests revealed striking emblems stamped on the bricks, including the numbers ‘5’, ‘365’, and even the word “Netflix.”
After preliminary checks, the ship was allowed to continue its voyage.
Drug Syndicate Smashed, $451 Million in Harm Prevented
Detective Inspector Luke Wilson revealed the vessel had routed through Central and South America before arriving in Australia. “We’re still investigating where the drugs were loaded and who planned to grab them here,” he said.
“This seizure deals a serious blow to a well-funded syndicate – cutting off millions in drug profits that fund lavish lifestyles and crime,” said Det-Inspector Wilson.
Authorities estimate the bust prevented over $451 million in drug-related damage—including healthcare costs, crime, and lost productivity.
ABF Praised for Sharp Eyes and Tough Action
Superintendent Joanne Yeats from ABF Detained Goods NSW praised her team: “This seizure highlights the technical skill and dedication of our officers, who stopped this huge cocaine shipment from flooding our streets.”
With cocaine fetching up to $400,000 per kilo on Australia’s east coast, this 700kg haul is worth a staggering $280 million.
Anyone with info about the bust is urged to contact Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000.
