Four men, including the chief officer of an international livestock carrier, are facing life in prison after Australian authorities found over 525 kilograms of cocaine in the ocean off the coast of Western Australia. Officials believe this operation, linked to organized crime, is worth around AUD $170 million (US $110 million) on the street.
The Western Australia Joint Organised Crime Taskforce was keeping an eye on suspicious activities from an international vessel when members of the public discovered large packages tied to floating drums around 30 kilometers offshore on November 6. Later that day, police retrieved the bundles near Lancelin, about 125 kilometers from Perth.
While officials did not reveal the ship's name, reports suggest it is the Al Kuwait, a 190-meter-long livestock carrier.
Forensic experts estimate that the cocaine could have been broken down into over 2.6 million street deals. Authorities believe the drugs were dropped into the ocean by the livestock carrier that was on its way to Fremantle Harbour.
On November 7, 2025, police charged the ship's chief officer, a 46-year-old from Croatia, with trying to import a large amount of a controlled drug. During a search of the ship, investigators found a blue drum and ropes similar to those used with the drugs. They also discovered that rails on the vessel had been removed and then replaced without the proper welding permits. Additionally, a CCTV camera was covered during the alleged offloading.
Three Australian men were also arrested in connection to this case. A 52-year-old from Perth and two men from Sydney, aged 19 and 36, reportedly made several attempts to recover the cocaine after launching boats from Two Rocks boat ramp. Their plan fell apart when emergency services responded to a boat in distress off Guilderton on November 3, where the two Sydney men were found on a sinking boat. Police grew suspicious after hearing the details of their trip.
“The AFP shares intelligence with international partners to help protect Australia from these threats,” said AFP Assistant Commissioner Pryce Scanlan. He noted that in 2022-23, there were 985 hospitalizations related to cocaine nationally, with an average of more than two each day.
“This should send a clear message to organized crime groups that Western Australia is not an easy target. We will find you and bring you to justice,” stated WA Police Assistant Commissioner Tony Longhorn.
Linda Jose, Acting Commander of the Australian Border Force, highlighted the agency's focus on “trusted insiders” infiltrating international supply chains. “Our officers constantly monitor international vessels and their crews coming into Australia for any irregularities or potential insider threats, and we will not hesitate to act with our partners when we find suspicious activity,” she remarked.
The Croatian chief officer has been remanded in custody and is set to appear in Perth Magistrates Court on January 23, 2026. The 19-year-old from Sydney faced court on November 20, 2025, while the 36-year-old appeared in NSW court on November 21 before being extradited to Western Australia. Both men are charged with possessing a large amount of unlawfully imported controlled drugs, which carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
Investigations into the organized crime syndicate responsible for this operation and the cocaine's origin are still ongoing, with authorities anticipating more arrests.
Police urge the public to call 131 444 if they encounter any suspicious packages in the ocean or along Western Australia’s coastline, warning that taking such packages home could lead to legal issues.