Australia has witnessed its largest drug bust, with authorities seizing over 250 kilograms of pink cocaine, valued at nearly $38 million.

The Australian Federal Police (AFP) were alerted in October 2023 to an international drug syndicate attempting to import this brightly colored drug, which was concealed in an air cargo shipment labeled as an industrial saw.

Following the initial investigation, a controlled delivery of the drugs was executed in Castle Hill, allowing authorities to monitor the situation closely.

On November 6, the empty shipping container reached its destination, where a suspect attempted to collect it.

A 21-year-old man from Matraville was arrested shortly after accessing the package and has been charged with attempting to possess a commercial quantity of an unlawfully imported drug.

He was denied bail at Downing Centre Local Court on November 7, and faces a maximum penalty of life imprisonment, with a court appearance scheduled for January 2024.

Authorities believe the arrested man is linked to a larger criminal organization and anticipate further arrests related to the import attempt.

The popularity of pink cocaine, also known as tusi, remains uncertain in Australia, although it has been detected in cities like Canberra and Brisbane.

Pink cocaine is typically a mixture of ketamine, MDMA, and other substances, and rarely contains actual cocaine, posing serious risks to users.

Acting Superintendent Stuart Millen highlighted the potential community harm that could have resulted from this importation, noting an increase in pink cocaine detections both locally and globally.

In 2024 alone, the AFP has already examined over 130 kilograms of pink cocaine, estimating its street value at approximately $150,000 per kilogram.

The investigation into this drug syndicate is ongoing, with expectations of further arrests in collaboration with international partners.