Discover the Gracious-Ace: Ratings & Maritime News

In a landmark operation, Australia's Federal Police and Border Force have successfully executed the second-largest cocaine seizure in South Australia’s history. The operation unfolded on January 28, 2024, when the 'Gracious Ace' docked in Fremantle, revealing a striking cache of illegal drugs concealed within 13 luxury buses. Following a thorough search by police and specially trained dogs, authorities uncovered 139 packages of cocaine, artistically hidden in video compartments of the buses, wrapped meticulously in plastic. The bust led to the arrest of two men, aged 22 and 29, on February 3, from a nearby hotel, as part of the ongoing investigation into this significant drug distribution network. These individuals faced court on February 6, charged with possession of commercial-grade cocaine, with the potential for a life sentence if convicted. This massive haul, weighing in at 139 kg and with an estimated street value of $29 million, has effectively interrupted about 695,000 potential drug transactions, significantly safeguarding both community health and the local economy.