Sydney: During the Christmas period, Australian authorities have been on high alert as mysterious packages, suspected to contain over 120 kilograms of cocaine, washed up on various beaches.
The discovery commenced with the detection of a set of 39 barnacle-covered bricks, each weighing about one kilogram, near Magenta Beach, located north of Sydney, on Friday.
State police in New South Wales have intensified efforts along approximately 80 kilometres (50 miles) of coastline, identifying an additional 85 similar-sized packages, possibly carrying the same substance. The spread of these packages has prompted law enforcement to issue a public plea, urging individuals to report any unusual or suspicious findings along the shoreline, reported AFP.
Detective Chief Superintendent Jason Weinstein, overseeing the state's crime command, emphasised the ongoing efforts to ensure the discovery and accountability of those involved. "Detectives and specialist police are currently combing beaches and coastlines for any outstanding packages and working behind the scenes to make sure we find and hold accountable those responsible," Weinstein said.
This unexpected influx of packages suspected to contain cocaine has put authorities on high alert as they continue to thoroughly search the coastal areas for any additional discoveries.