Fremantle ro-ro search leads to drug haul

  • Posted by Allen Newton
  • |
  • 1 June, 2026

A SEARCH of a ro-ro by vessel by Australian Border Force agents led officers to seize 34kg of cocaine concealed within a luxury bus in Fremantle, Western Australia.

ABF officers examined the ro-ro on Wednesday 6 May, using a combination of targeted intelligence, physical search, detector dogs and advanced technology.

An ABF media release said during the inspection, officers located about 30 packages concealed in the roof cavity of a bus.

Presumptive testing returned a positive result for cocaine, with an estimated weight of 34kg.

This amount of cocaine, had it reached the Australian community, had an estimated street value up to $11 million, with the potential for 170,000 street-level deals.

ABF Superintendent Shaun Senior said the detection highlighted the capability and professionalism of frontline officers.

“Our highly trained ABF officers are equipped with the expertise, intelligence and operational capability to detect and disrupt illegal activity at the border,” Superintendent Senior said.

“Criminal syndicates continue to test our borders, including through complex concealments in cargo such as roll-on/roll-off vessels. The ABF will continue to use every available resource to intercept harmful substances before they reach the Australian community.”

Investigations remain ongoing.

 

Fremantle ro-ro search leads to drug haul
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Posted by Allen Newton

Allen is DCN's WA correspondent. He is one of WA's most experienced journalists with a career that includes roles as Managing Editor of The Sunday Times and PerthNow and as Editor in Chief of Fairfax's WAtoday.

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