Senior police officers from Australia and Papua New Guinea (PNG) witnessed the destruction of 500kg of cocaine last week, marking the conclusion of a joint operation that dismantled a major criminal syndicate.
The cocaine, seized in PNG after a black flight transporting it to Australia crashed in July 2020, was incinerated at a secure facility in Queensland on 28 November 2024. Estimated to be worth $800 million, the drugs could have been sold as 500,000 street deals, Australian Federal Police (AFP) Commander Stephen Jay revealed.
“Had it arrived in Australia, it would have caused immense harm to the community,” Commander Jay said.
“Its destruction is a testament to the dedication and cooperation of all agencies involved in Operation Weathers.”
Operation Weathers was a multi-agency investigation led by the AFP, in partnership with Queensland and Victoria Police, Australian Border Force (ABF), the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC), and the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC). The investigation uncovered a syndicate attempting to smuggle the drugs into Queensland.
The operation was set in motion after the light plane carrying the cocaine crashed north of Port Moresby on 26 July 2020. RPNGC officers recovered the haul five days later. Charges were laid against nine individuals—five in Australia and four in PNG—who received prison sentences of 18 to 19 years in September 2024.
The PNG National Court of Justice ordered the destruction of the cocaine, stipulating that a senior RPNGC officer be present. RPNGC Deputy Commissioner Donald Yamasombi and Commander Jay oversaw the transfer of the drugs from a secure AFP vault to the destruction site.
Deputy Commissioner Yamasombi highlighted the shared success of both nations in tackling the illicit drug trade.
“The drug trade damages both our nations in similar ways. Together, we’ve achieved a mutually satisfying outcome.”
The AFP uses advanced waste disposal technology to destroy illicit substances. The process involves vaporising the drugs into steam, which is filtered into an ash-like substance for safe release, ensuring minimal environmental impact.
Commander Jay expressed gratitude for the partnership, while Deputy Commissioner Yamasombi emphasised the continued importance of collaboration to protect communities in both countries.
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