Recently, the Australian Federal Police (AFP) arrested three Sydney dock workers, suspecting them of assisting in drug smuggling into the country.

The arrests came as the AFP intercepted 506 kilograms of cocaine, with an estimated street value of more than AUD 100 million, along with large amounts of cash found in the workers’ homes.

The arrests followed a five-month investigation by a multi-agency task force into a criminal syndicate importing large quantities of drugs into Australia. Police reported that the suspected smugglers had received assistance from “insiders” at the port.

According to intelligence, a container was scheduled to arrive at the port, with smugglers planning to extract a large amount of cocaine after the cargo was unloaded and placed in a port warehouse. The container, which had been shipped from Europe carrying legitimate goods, was stored in the yard alongside empty containers being returned.

On Sunday, August 31, local time, a forklift driver was moving containers when a second man carrying a bag entered one of them. Upon his arrest, police reported that the bag contained a crowbar, an angle grinder, ear protection, a portable lamp, and other tools. Investigations revealed that the man had been cutting into the rear of the container, where police subsequently discovered 506 blocks of cocaine wrapped in lead sheeting.

Two forklift drivers and a third man were taken into custody and charged with aiding the importation of illicit drugs. Media reports said they face life imprisonment if convicted. A search of two of the men’s homes uncovered more than AUD 216,000 in cash.

Although the container originated in Europe, police stated they are still working to trace the source of the drugs and identify other individuals involved in the case.

Just last week, Australian authorities reported the arrest of four people suspected of being involved in a ketamine smuggling operation, after seizing 45 kilograms of ketamine hidden inside 66 automotive drive shafts imported through Sydney Port.