In a sophisticated drug smuggling operation, four Australian men attempted to import 22.4 kg (49.4 pounds) of cocaine into Australia concealed within five Xerox brand printers. The Australian Border Force intercepted the shipment in Melbourne on April 30, 2017, discovering compressed white powder hidden in the paper trays. Testing confirmed it was cocaine with a street value of approximately 9.3 to 12.4 million AUD. Authorities replaced the drugs with an alternative material, fitted tracking devices, and delivered the printers to a factory in Airport West, Victoria. In May 2017, police arrested four men trying to retrieve the printers. Three were sentenced: one to nine years with a four-and-a-half-year non-parole period in 2025, another to 10 years with a five-and-a-half-year non-parole period in 2025, and a third to 10 years with a six-and-a-half-year non-parole period in 2022. The fourth man was acquitted. This case underscores advanced smuggling tactics by organized crime, as highlighted by AFP acting commander Simone Butcher, who stressed ongoing efforts to disrupt such operations.

Key Points:

- Cocaine was hidden in the paper trays of five Xerox printers shipped to Australia, weighing 22.4 kg with a high street value.

- Authorities intercepted the shipment, replaced drugs with tracking devices, and monitored delivery to arrest suspects.

- Three out of four arrested men received prison sentences ranging from 9 to 10 years, while one was acquitted.

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