Officials seized this vehicle transmission (centre) as it arrived in Australia, then police seized these other items (left, right) from an alleged drug lab at Kingsdale. Photos: AFP.
A police operation has resulted in about $39 million-worth of cocaine being seized as it arrived in the country before a major alleged drug lab was raided near the NSW town of Goulburn.
A consignment containing four vehicle transmissions was shipped from California, United States, before it was intercepted by the Australian Border Force (ABF) in December 2025, an Australian Federal Police (AFP) spokesperson said.
Officers began dismantling the components before allegedly discovering 120 kg of cocaine hidden inside the machinery. The AFP spokesperson estimated this had a street value of $39 million.
This kicked off an investigation that resulted in police raids at properties in Goulburn and its nearby rural locality of Kingsdale, as well as in the Sydney suburbs of Mortdale and Stanmore, in June 2026.
When police searched the property at Kingsdale, they allegedly found a large commercial-grade clandestine laboratory used to manufacture huge quantities of methamphetamine and cocaine.
Police allegedly seized 44 kg of cocaine and 2 kg of meth from the laboratory.
Four men, aged 35, 41, 45 and 49, were arrested at the Kingsdale property and handed charges, including two counts each of trafficking in a commercial quantity of a controlled drug.
This charge carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
They originally faced Goulburn Local Court earlier this month before their matters were adjourned to Sydney’s Downing Centre on 18 August.
Two men were also arrested at the properties in Mortdale and Stanmore.
“Investigations remain ongoing and further charges are expected,” the AFP spokesperson said.
AFP Detective Acting Superintendent Trevor Robinson said the operation demonstrated the effectiveness of intelligence-led investigations and strong partnerships between law enforcement agencies in disrupting organised crime.
“The seizure of 120 kg of cocaine and the disruption of an alleged clandestine laboratory have dealt a significant blow to the criminal syndicate allegedly involved and prevented further harm to the community,” he said.
NSW Commander of Drug and Firearms Squad’s Chemical Operations Team, Detective Superintendent John Watson, alleged this was a sophisticated and dangerous drug-manufacturing set-up.
“By shutting down this operation, we have prevented a significant volume of methamphetamine and cocaine from being manufactured and pushed into our communities,” he said.
ABF Superintendent Jared Leighton said anyone seeking to exploit border controls would be identified, targeted and stopped.
“Criminal syndicates are investing in increasingly sophisticated concealment methods,” he said.
“ABF officers use advanced targeting, intelligence and examination capabilities to detect and dismantle even the most complex smuggling attempts.”
Original Article published by Albert McKnight on Region Canberra.
