Australian authorities seized over a ton of cocaine, valued at approximately $400 million, from a vessel, leading to the arrest of five men on Friday.

The New South Wales (NSW) Police Force, in conjunction with the Australian Federal Police (AFP), initiated an investigation in late April after receiving intelligence regarding a suspicious boat purchase involving a significant amount of cash. The agencies subsequently monitored the vessel and the individuals involved, according to a joint statement.

The NSW Police and AFP tracked the group’s movements as they traveled north through Nelson Bay and Port Macquarie, the agencies stated.

Authorities intercepted the vessel upon its return to shore on Friday.

Inside the vessel, authorities discovered around 1,110 packages of cocaine, totaling 1.039 tons, with an estimated street value of nearly $400 million, officials said.

Two men, aged 24 and 26, were apprehended on board the vessel. Simultaneously, investigators arrested three men, aged 28, 29, and 35, on shore after stopping two vehicles that were attempting to leave the area.

“Australia’s extensive coastline is a target for organized crime groups seeking to import drugs by sea,” AFP Assistant Commissioner Stephen Dametto stated. “However, the AFP, in collaboration with its partners, will continue to target these syndicates who mistakenly believe they can operate freely.”

The two men arrested on the boat face charges of supplying a prohibited drug in a large commercial quantity. The three men arrested on shore are charged with participating in the supply of a prohibited drug in a large commercial quantity. All five are also charged with participating in a criminal group.

All five men were refused bail.

Investigators are currently working to determine the origin of the drugs and identify any potential associates of the group.

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