Dozens of classic cars seized in cocaine bust
AFP uncovers 31 classic cars and vehicles related to the import of 144kg of cocaineForty-seven vehicles, including 31 classic cars, have been seized by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) under suspicion of being the proceeds of crime, following a major cocaine trafficking investigation in Sydney.
Among the vehicles was a classic BMW 6 Series, numerous Ford Escorts and Capris, several Volkswagen Kombis, at least one original Volkswagen Beetle, a Mk1 Volkswagen Golf, two Alfa Romeo Breras, what looks to be an original Nissan GT-R, multiple Datsuns, a Lotus Cortina, a Jaguar XJ and a classic Holden V8 ute.
Several vintage motorcycles were also seized along with three properties, cash and $646,000 worth of silver and gold bullion.
All told, the haul is estimated to be worth around $5 million.
The AFP alleges the assets are linked to a Sydney man who was sentenced to an 11-year jail term earlier this year for importing 144kg of cocaine into Sydney.
“Organised crime groups are motivated by greed and an intent to make illicit profits so we work tirelessly with our partners to disrupt their criminal activities and remove their ill-gotten wealth,” AFP Commander Stephen Fry said.
“Profits from criminal activities also form a vicious circle as cash and other assets are used to fund the next drug import or pay for the next grow house or help criminals evade law enforcement.
“The AFP’s ability to break the cycle and seize these profits sends a strong message to criminals that their luxury lifestyles are an illusion which will inevitably disappear after police knock on their door.”
Depending on how the case transpires, the vehicles will most likely be sold off eventually, with the proceeds from the sales going into the AFP’s ‘Confiscated Assets Account’ before being reallocated and invested into crime prevention, intervention or related community programs.
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