WESTERN AUSTRALIA, El Sky News – Australian authorities have successfully dismantled a highly organised drug syndicate, arresting 18 individuals and seizing 268 kg of illicit drugs worth approximately US$60 million in operations spanning New South Wales and Western Australia.
Law enforcement agencies, including the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and local state police, executed coordinated raids on multiple residences and warehouses connected to the syndicate. Confiscated substances included cocaine, methamphetamine, and other controlled drugs. Authorities described the network as “highly organised,” with sophisticated methods for importing, storing, and distributing illegal narcotics.
“This operation strikes a significant blow to organised crime in Australia,” said Assistant Commissioner Mark Thompson. “By targeting both the leadership and the logistics of this syndicate, we aim to disrupt the supply chain that fuels the local drug trade.”
The arrests followed months of surveillance, intelligence gathering, and inter-state cooperation. Police also seized luxury vehicles, cash, and communication devices used to coordinate criminal activities. Investigators noted that the syndicate had connections to criminal networks overseas, enabling the importation and distribution of narcotics across state lines.
Community leaders welcomed the operation, noting that the seizure of such large quantities of drugs would prevent significant harm to local communities. Authorities are continuing investigations to uncover additional members and financial networks linked to the syndicate. Those arrested face multiple charges, including drug trafficking, possession of prohibited substances, and participation in organised criminal activity. Prosecutors indicated that cases would be fast-tracked due to the scale of the operation
