Filipino sentenced to 17 years jail over South Australia’s largest cocaine haul

A Filipino national, is the first person to be sentenced for the importation of 416kg of cocaine into South Australia – the largest seizure of the illicit drug in the state’s history.

A Filipino national, is the first person to be sentenced for the importation of 416kg of cocaine into South Australia – the largest seizure of the illicit drug in the state’s history. Credit: Australian Federal Police

A 48-year-old Filipino has been sentenced to 17 years in prison for importing 416 kilograms of cocaine, the biggest drug seizure in South Australia’s history


Key Points
  • The Australian Federal Police recovered the cocaine, worth $166 million, off Yorke Peninsula in March 2022.
  • The convicted man must serve a non-parole period of nine years and six months.
  • Another Filipino crew member pleaded guilty in April 2025 and will face sentencing in December.

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