Richard Huynh charged: Drugs Floating in Water Lead Police to Australia’s Biggest Cocaine Bust
A bungled cocaine importation in regional Queensland, including packages of the drug found floating in the water —has led to Australia’s largest-ever cocaine seizure and a widening organised crime investigation.
The investigation, known as Operation Minjiang —began after Queensland police discovered about 40 kilograms of cocaine floating in the water near Midge Point, north of Mackay, in May. The discovery followed reports of a burnt-out flatbed truck near the shoreline. Police allege the truck had been fitted with a crane and was involved in an attempt to retrieve drugs from the water.
The investigation subsequently uncovered a much larger shipment. In June, Australian Federal Police and partner agencies seized approximately 2.7 tonnes of cocaine hidden in underground bunkers beneath shipping containers at a property in Londonderry, western Sydney. Authorities estimated the cocaine had a street value of about $816 million and represented around 3 million potential street-level deals.
Police allege the cocaine was imported through northern Queensland before being transported south to Sydney for distribution. Investigators say the operation involved a highly organised criminal network operating across several states. A total of more than 3 tonnes of border-controlled drugs has been seized during the broader investigation, including an earlier haul of cocaine and methamphetamine.
The investigation has continued to expand, with 12 people now arrested or charged in connection with the alleged trafficking network.
Among the latest arrests is 41-year-old Brisbane man Richard Huynh —who was arrested at Brisbane Airport. Police allege he played a role in facilitating the interstate transportation of the cocaine from a suspected safe house in Petrie, Queensland, through New South Wales and Victoria before it reached the Sydney property.
Police searching properties connected to the latest arrests allegedly seized about $80,000 in cash, electronic devices and drug-related items.
Mr Huynh was charged on Thursday, August 20 by Australian Federal Police and Queensland Police.
In a separate search in Sydney, officers allegedly recovered firearms, ammunition, cocaine and cash, resulting in additional charges against a 23-year-old man from Erksine Park.
Authorities say the cocaine seizure represents a major blow to organised crime and prevented an enormous quantity of illicit drugs from reaching Australian communities. Investigators believe further arrests may follow as they continue to trace the people responsible for importing, transporting and distributing the drugs.
Operation Minjiang involves multiple agencies —including the Australian Federal Police, Queensland Police Service, Australian Border Force, Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission, AUSTRAC and the Australian Taxation Office, with assistance from NSW Police.
The latest developments highlight how an apparently failed drug offload on the Queensland coast — and the discovery of cocaine floating in the water —ultimately helped investigators uncover one of the largest organised drug trafficking operations ever detected in Australia. (NQ)
