Record cocaine seizure

A RECORD haul of cocaine worth $322 million which was destined for Australia has been seized in the South Pacific.

It is the largest seizure of cocaine bound for Australia in the nation’s history.

The South American criminal masterminds behind the smuggling plot dispatched the drugs on board a yacht named Afalina, which was manned by four crew members from Lithuania and Latvia.

Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission officials worked with the French Navy to thwart the scheme and the cocaine was seized on July 27.

The record 1.464 tonnes of cocaine would have resulted in almost 1.5 million street deals.

It was seized off the coast of New Caledonia and the yacht was towed to Noumea for further investigation and testing.

Col Blanch, the ACIC’s Executive Director Intelligence, said Australian authorities were working closely with the French following the massive seizure.

The ACIC believes the eastern European drug smugglers were working for a serious and organised crime syndicate in South America.

“We are thankful for the actions taken by French authorities,” Mr Blanch said.