U.S., Australian agents seize $330 million in cocaine from yacht in South Pacific

An anti-narcotics police prepares to slice open blocks of cocaine during a drug burning operation, in a field on the outskirts of Panama City, Friday, June 21, 2013. (AP / Arnulfo Franco)

The Associated Press
Published Thursday, August 22, 2013 10:29PM EDT
Last Updated Thursday, August 22, 2013 10:44PM EDT

CANBERRA, Australia -- U.S. and Australian agents seized 750 kilograms (1,650 pounds) of cocaine from a yacht in the South Pacific nation of Vanuatu, officials said Friday.

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and Australian Federal Police have collaborated with South Pacific governments since 2010 to investigate organized crime syndicates' use of yachts to smuggle cocaine from South America to Australia.

Australian Customs and Border Protection Service said in a statement that Vanuatu police assisted in the seizure made Monday at the capital, Port Vila.
The drugs worth 370 million Australian dollars ($330 million) were found in the engine compartment of the yacht.

No arrests have yet been made.

Australia has become an increasingly lucrative market for international drug syndicates because the relative strength of its currency and economy.

U.S.-Australian co-operation with authorities in Vanuatu, Tonga, the Cook Islands, and New Caledonia have resulted in almost 2 tons of cocaine destined for Australia being seized from five vessels since 2010.

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