Australia has recorded its largest-ever cocaine seizure after police uncovered 2.7 tonnes of the drug hidden in an underground bunker system beneath shipping containers in western Sydney.

The cocaine, estimated to have a street value of A$816 million, was discovered during a raid on a property in Londonderry, where officers found concealed compartments beneath false floors inside three shipping containers.

Two men, aged 21 and 25, were arrested at the scene after allegedly attempting to flee from police. They have been charged with possessing a commercial quantity of an unlawfully imported border-controlled drug and face life imprisonment if convicted.

According to Australian authorities, the seizure was linked to an organised crime network suspected of smuggling the cocaine into the country through the small Queensland town of Midge Point.

Police said the operation formed part of “Operation Minjiang,” an investigation launched in May after 40 kilograms of cocaine was discovered floating near a boat ramp in Midge Point.

The investigation has already resulted in the arrest and charging of six other people across New South Wales and Queensland.

Authorities also revealed that an alleged “mother vessel” believed to have played a role in the smuggling operation has been detained in the Solomon Islands.

Speaking on the development, Stephen Jay said the case demonstrated the sophistication of international criminal networks.

The commander said the alleged plot showed “how highly organised and determined these criminal networks are, and the extreme lengths they are willing to go to in pursuit of profit.”

He added that investigations into the origin of the drugs remain ongoing and that authorities would continue working with domestic and international law enforcement partners to identify those responsible for the attempted importation.

Despite its geographical isolation, Australia remains one of the world’s most lucrative cocaine markets, with the drug commanding some of the highest prices globally.

The latest seizure underscores growing concerns among law enforcement agencies about the scale and sophistication of transnational drug trafficking operations targeting the country. (Arise News)