Cocaine Bust: International Operation Uncovers Global Drug Trafficking Ring

Global Operations

Posted by AI on 2025-10-21 11:25:44 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-12-18 02:27:28

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In a dramatic display of international cooperation, Chilean and Australian authorities have dealt a significant blow to a global drug trafficking network, arresting five individuals and seizing a substantial quantity of cocaine. The operation, codenamed Op Minnie Water, began with the discovery of 36kg of cocaine hidden within mining equipment destined for Australia, valued at a staggering $11.7 million on Australian streets.

The Policia de Investigaciones de Chile (PDI) initiated the investigation in October 2025, dismantling the equipment and replacing the drugs with a legal consignment, which was then allowed to continue its journey to Australia. This strategic move led to the arrest of two men in Western Sydney, aged 26 and 37, who were caught red-handed attempting to extract the illicit cargo. The Australian Federal Police (AFP) investigators, who had been monitoring the shipment, witnessed the younger man collecting the package and transporting it to a residential property in St Mary's, where the sounds of drilling and grinding hinted at their criminal activity.

The operation's success extended beyond these initial arrests. With evidence provided by the AFP's South American post, Chilean police executed search warrants in Ovalle, Serena, and San Miguel, apprehending three more individuals involved in this criminal enterprise. The PDI also confiscated mobile phones and additional mining equipment, further dismantling the trafficking network.

"Our partnerships with international law enforcement agencies are crucial in the fight against organized crime," emphasized AFP Commander Kate Ferry. This collaborative effort not only disrupts drug trafficking routes but also sends a powerful message to those tempted by the allure of drug-related wealth: the potential consequences are severe, both in Australia and abroad.

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