Australian police bust massive drug trafficking ring, nine arrested

Nine men have been arrested in Australia as part of a massive drug trafficking operation that allegedly brought tonnes of cocaine and methamphetamine into the country. The suspects, aged between 31 and 72, face a variety of charges related to drug trafficking and seven could face life in prison if convicted.

Police foiled multiple attempts to import drugs

Police were alerted to the alleged syndicate after rescuing four crewmembers from a commercial trawler that sank off the Victorian coast in bad weather. The crew's unusual movements sparked suspicion.

Authorities monitored the group's attempts to travel into the Bass Strait to meet a 'mother ship' that would deliver significant drug quantities. Though these attempts were unsuccessful, police say the men were also involved in the separate seizures of 30kg of methamphetamine in Perth and 41kg of cocaine in regional Victoria.

It's alleged the syndicate used connections in the trucking industry to move the drugs between states, capitalizing on Australia's insatiable demand for illicit substances and the willingness of the community to pay top dollar.

AFP Det Supt Ray Imbriano warned that drug importations fuel violence between rival gangs in suburbs, often leaving innocent Australians caught in the crossfire.