Wealthy Australians are prepared to pay some of the highest prices globally for drugs like cocaine and methamphetamine. Published on October 15, 2025, this report highlights a significant operation by Australian police, who recently seized 400 kilograms of drugs in a major crackdown on a transnational criminal syndicate.
In a raid linked to an attempted organized crime hit near a daycare center in Sydney, authorities confiscated drugs valued at $170 million, along with firearms. Last week, New South Wales police thwarted an attempted murder involving a so-called “kill team” and arrested three suspects.
On Wednesday, police announced the seizure of approximately 400 kilograms (880 pounds) of drugs during a major operation targeting a criminal network believed to be operating out of Southeast Asia. Detectives discovered vacuum-sealed bricks of methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin hidden in duffel bags at various safe houses in Sydney, estimating the street value of the drugs at AU$260 million ($170 million).
These raids are part of a larger effort to dismantle a transnational network, with Organized Crime Squad Commander Peter Faux indicating that the syndicate is “highly likely” connected to the recent attempted murder. He also mentioned potential links to the abduction and killing of a Sydney mother in April, related to her husband’s alleged ties to a Vietnamese organized crime group.
Images released by the police showed armed officers searching one of the hideouts, where sealed drug packages were found scattered on the floor, featuring a cartoon bear from the 2012 film “Ted” and bags with red Chinese characters meaning “smooth sailing.” Additionally, authorities seized three pistols and over 300 rounds of ammunition. Three men, aged between 19 and 26, were arrested and charged with multiple drug supply offenses.
The lucrative black market for drugs in Australia has attracted the attention of sophisticated criminal networks, ranging from Southeast Asian Triads to South American cartels.