Cops Seize $400 Million of Cocaine in Australian Waters (Video)

Originally posted on SURFER | By Dashel Pierson | Last updated May 12, 2025 3:16 PM ET

The bricks had Luis Vuitton labels stamped on ‘em – nice touch.

On Friday, over a metric ton (2,205 pounds) of cocaine, valued around $400 million, were seized by Australian authorities off the coast of New South Wales. Police intercepted the boat, which was being manned by two men aged 24 and 26, as it traveled north via Nelson Bay and Port Macquarie. Additionally, three others were arrested onshore, who were apparently involved in the operation.

That’s a lotta devil’s dandruff. See footage from the seizure and arrest below.

“The AFP and NSW Police Force have a long history of disrupting criminal networks attempting to import drugs that destroy our community. Combining our resources and expertise allows us to get successful outcomes like the one we are announcing today,” Assistant Commissioner Dametto said in a statement, continuing:

“Australia’s vast coastline is attractive to organized crime groups, who attempt to exploit this by trying to import drugs using boats. The bad news for them is the AFP will continue to work together with our partners to target organized crime syndicates who wrongly believe they can operate with impunity.

“Importation of drugs via the sea are inherently dangerous, and criminals using this smuggling method risk both their freedom and their lives.”

Meanwhile, a few hundred clicks up the coast from the bust, the World Surf League recently wrapped up the Gold Coast Pro, with Filipe Toledo and Bettylou Sakura Johnson taking home top honors. Would’ve been a lot eyeballs on that boat, had they been a bit further north up the coast.

“Collecting hundreds of kilograms of cocaine at sea shows the length organized crime will go to for their own greed and profit,” added Dametto. “Every arrest and every seizure saves lives.”

This article first appeared on SURFER and was syndicated with permission.

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