A 41-year-old man from Tweed Heads was arrested after police allegedly found 200 kilograms of cocaine aboard a catamaran near the Queensland-NSW border, part of an international smuggling operation.

Police seized the 200 kilograms of cocaine from the catamaran at the Queensland-NSW border, linked to an international drug syndicate.

The update comes on April 20, 2026, with the report by The Sydney Morning Herald noting ongoing investigation.

Search warrants were executed across South East Queensland and northern NSW as investigators work to identify the vessel and crew, with more arrests possible.

The man was refused bail and is due back in NSW court in June; authorities also found about $100,000 in cash on the vessel.

Authorities intercepted the catamaran as it sailed into the Tweed River on April 16, towed it to a secure location, and conducted a forensic search.

The vessel departed Tweed on April 14, turned off its transponder, and retrieved the drugs at sea before the seizure.

The operation is linked to a transnational drug syndicate aiming to import cocaine into Australian waters and transfer it to local vessels, involving cooperation with outlaw motorcycle gang networks.

Forensic investigators found 200 kilograms of cocaine and $100,000 in cash in black duffel bags aboard the vessel.

The charge against the man includes importing a commercial quantity of a border-controlled drug, carrying a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.

AFP Detective Inspector Steven Wiggins emphasized ongoing collaboration with domestic and international partners to disrupt transnational crime and stressed the strength of joint law enforcement efforts.

ABF Superintendent Jim Ley said the seizure reduces potential harm by curbing addiction, crime, and violence, signaling a continued crackdown on illicit drugs.