Six Charged Following Massive $100 Million Drug Seizure in Queensland
By Neha · Published 18 Jun 2026 · Updated 18 Jun 2026
Brisbane, Queensland · Queensland News
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Police tape and evidence markers at a crime scene in Queensland.
Smart summary
A significant multi-agency investigation has resulted in the seizure of hundreds of kilograms of illicit drugs and the arrest of six individuals linked to an international network.
Six people have been charged following one of Queensland's largest recent drug investigations, after authorities allegedly uncovered approximately $100 million worth of cocaine and methamphetamine linked to an international trafficking operation.
The investigation, known as Operation Minjiang, was launched in late May 2026 by the Queensland Joint Organised Crime Taskforce (QJOCTF) after police discovered around 40 kilograms of cocaine near a vessel and a burnt-out truck at Midge Point in North Queensland. Investigators allege the drugs formed part of a larger importation operation involving offshore transfers from a suspected "mothership".
Authorities allege the shipment originated from the vessel MV Wealth, which has since been detained in the Solomon Islands as part of ongoing international inquiries. The investigation involved cooperation between multiple agencies, including the Australian Federal Police, Queensland Police Service, Australian Border Force, Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission, AUSTRAC, and the Australian Taxation Office.
Over a three-week period, investigators tracked the alleged movement and storage of the drugs across southeast Queensland. Searches at several properties resulted in major discoveries, including approximately 178 kilograms of cocaine and 142 kilograms of methamphetamine found inside a van at a property in Mount Cotton. Police believe the owners of that property were unaware of the contents of the vehicle and are not considered suspects.
Authorities also identified an alleged "safe house" in Petrie, north of Brisbane, where cocaine was allegedly stored temporarily before being distributed. Additional searches were conducted in Middle Park, Eagleby, Hillcrest, and Green Valley in New South Wales as investigators pieced together the alleged trafficking network.
Among those charged are men from Mackay, Petrie, Middle Park, Eagleby, Hillcrest, and Green Valley. Several have been charged with possessing or attempting to possess a commercial quantity of unlawfully imported border-controlled drugs, offences that can carry penalties including life imprisonment under Commonwealth law. All accused have been remanded in custody while court proceedings continue.
Law enforcement agencies described the seizure as a significant disruption to organised crime operations. Investigators believe the drugs were destined for Australian communities and say the operation prevented a substantial quantity of illicit substances from reaching the market.
The investigation remains active, with authorities continuing to examine international and domestic links connected to the alleged importation network. Further arrests have not been ruled out as forensic examinations and intelligence analysis continue.
QueenslandBeenAllegedAuthoritiesCharged
Six people have been charged following one of Queensland's largest recent drug investigations, after authorities allegedly uncovered approximately $100 million worth of cocaine and methamphetamine linked to an international trafficking operation.
The investigation, known as Operation Minjiang, was launched in late May 2026 by the Queensland Joint Organised Crime Taskforce (QJOCTF) after police discovered around 40 kilograms of cocaine near a vessel and a burnt-out truck at Midge Point in North Queensland. Investigators allege the drugs formed part of a larger importation operation involving offshore transfers from a suspected "mothership".
Authorities allege the shipment originated from the vessel MV Wealth, which has since been detained in the Solomon Islands as part of ongoing international inquiries. The investigation involved cooperation between multiple agencies, including the Australian Federal Police, Queensland Police Service, Australian Border Force, Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission, AUSTRAC, and the Australian Taxation Office.
Over a three-week period, investigators tracked the alleged movement and storage of the drugs across southeast Queensland. Searches at several properties resulted in major discoveries, including approximately 178 kilograms of cocaine and 142 kilograms of methamphetamine found inside a van at a property in Mount Cotton. Police believe the owners of that property were unaware of the contents of the vehicle and are not considered suspects.
Authorities also identified an alleged "safe house" in Petrie, north of Brisbane, where cocaine was allegedly stored temporarily before being distributed. Additional searches were conducted in Middle Park, Eagleby, Hillcrest, and Green Valley in New South Wales as investigators pieced together the alleged trafficking network.
Among those charged are men from Mackay, Petrie, Middle Park, Eagleby, Hillcrest, and Green Valley. Several have been charged with possessing or attempting to possess a commercial quantity of unlawfully imported border-controlled drugs, offences that can carry penalties including life imprisonment under Commonwealth law. All accused have been remanded in custody while court proceedings continue.
Law enforcement agencies described the seizure as a significant disruption to organised crime operations. Investigators believe the drugs were destined for Australian communities and say the operation prevented a substantial quantity of illicit substances from reaching the market.
The investigation remains active, with authorities continuing to examine international and domestic links connected to the alleged importation network. Further arrests have not been ruled out as forensic examinations and intelligence analysis continue.
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