Australian authorities appealing for public assistance following seizure of drugs on seaborne container in Sydney

The Australian Federal Police (AFP) is calling for public assistance after an estimated 80 kg of cocaine was found in a shipping container at Port Botany in Sydney.

Early last week, Australian Border Force (ABF) officers examined the shipping container, which had arrived from the United States, after x-rays identified some anomalies in it.

A forensic examination revealed two bags containing multiple packages of a substance that tested positive for cocaine, each wrapped in blue clingfilm with a "764" label.

The AFP seized the drugs and inquiries are now underway to identify the criminal syndicate responsible for the importation.

AFP Detective Acting Superintendent Stuart Millen said the cocaine had an estimated potential street value of AU$26 million (US$17 million). He has also urged anyone with information about the importation to contact police.

“The illicit drugs found within this container were not concealed, which could be indicative of a 'rip-on/rip-off' method, said ABF Superintendent Jared Leighton. "As cargo moves from the country of origin to the country of destination, criminal insiders could tamper with legal shipments."