Two men have been sentenced to a combined six years in prison for their involvement in an attempt to retrieve 139kg of cocaine concealed inside a shipment of luxury buses. The District Court of South Australia handed down their sentences on January 29, 2025, following their guilty pleas in late 2024. The men, aged 20 and 23, were each sentenced to three years in prison, with a non-parole period of 18 months, after being charged with attempting to possess a commercial quantity of cocaine under Section 307.5(1) of the Criminal Code (Cth).
Operation Silkwood Uncovers Smuggling Attempt
The investigation, dubbed Operation Silkwood, began in January 2024 after intelligence reports suggested that a shipment of 13 luxury buses aboard an international cargo ship contained illegal substances. Australian Border Force (ABF) officers inspected the cargo on January 28, 2024, when the ship docked at Fremantle Harbour in Western Australia.
During the search, authorities found multiple packages concealed in four of the buses. The contents tested positive for cocaine, prompting ABF to notify the Australian Federal Police (AFP) for further action. The buses were transported to Adelaide, where ABF and South Australia Police continued their investigation.
On February 3, 2024, the two men broke into the buses to retrieve the illicit shipment. However, law enforcement had already removed the drugs and replaced them with substitute material. The suspects were later arrested at a hotel in Port Adelaide.
Authorities Warn Against Organized Crime Involvement
AFP Detective Superintendent Melinda Adam emphasized the significance of the seizure, stating that the 139kg of cocaine could have been distributed as approximately 695,000 street-level deals. She estimated its street value at $45 million, funds that would have fueled further criminal activities.
“We prevented these drugs from reaching our community and also stopped about $45 million going into the pockets of those involved in this illegal venture,” Det Supt Adam said. “The AFP is committed to making South Australia as hostile as possible for drug traffickers and stopping them from profiting at the community’s expense.”
ABF Acting Superintendent Prue Otto reinforced this message, warning that criminals seeking to import drugs at an industrial scale would face severe consequences. “Drawn by high street prices, these criminals seek profits to fund lavish lifestyles and other illicit activities,” she said. “The Australian community ultimately pays the cost of their greed.”
What’s Next?
Authorities have reiterated their commitment to targeting organized crime syndicates and preventing large-scale drug importation. The sentencing of these two men serves as a warning to others who the lure of quick financial gain might entice. Through collaboration between ABF, AFP, and state police, law enforcement continues to disrupt drug trafficking operations and protect Australian communities from the devastating effects of illicit drugs.
