Operation Buxtehude: A Comprehensive Breakdown

Podcast: Crime Interrupted
Host/Author: Casefile Presents
Episode: Operation Buxtehude
Release Date: June 22, 2025

Introduction: The Fight Against Illicit Drugs

Operation Buxtehude delves into one of the most significant drug seizures handled by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) in recent history. This episode highlights the intricate collaboration between the AFP, Australian Border Force (ABF), and various intelligence units to intercept a massive cocaine shipment disguised within a secondhand excavator. The operation underscores the persistent threat posed by organized crime groups and the relentless efforts of law enforcement to dismantle these networks.

The Genesis of Operation Buxtehude

The operation commenced in June 2019 when the AFP's criminal intelligence team, led by Jeff Aglund, detected a potential cocaine importation.

Jeff Aglund (00:02): "We received the initial information that said that there was an import coming. We didn't have much to go on other than that, but I guess our knowledge of the criminal networks and who was capable of doing something like this, we had a fair idea as to where we could start."

Working alongside his colleague Lorell, the team identified the syndicate responsible and strategized the investigation.

Lorell (03:21): "We had a pretty good idea because we had identified some convergences with other jobs. So yes, we had a good idea what syndicate was involved and the strategies of that network."

Collaborative Efforts: AFP and ABF

The operation required seamless coordination between multiple agencies. Jason Regan, then commander of the Australian Border Force College, played a pivotal role in managing the arrival of the suspicious excavator.

Jason Regan (04:16): "It could best be summarised in protecting Australia from anyone or anything that would seek to do our community harm... making sure that we maintain compliance against your visa conditions."

The ABF's robust data systems flagged the excavator from South Africa for examination upon its arrival in Australia.

Jason Regan (05:25): "The border is supported by an immense amount of data... we call that targeting. And we are constantly updating our threat profiles to ensure that our targeting strategies are keeping ahead of where organised crime are trying to exploit the border."

Investigative Procedures and Identification

Laura Howe, an intelligence officer with a background in general duties policing, was integral to the operation, overseeing the examination and intelligence management.

Laura Howe (06:48): "Studying these big operations is really important... because AFP and Act Policing are intelligence led, so it's really important that we use all the tools at our hand to be able to predict and help in that decision making for investigators."

Meanwhile, David Fleming from ACT policing shared insights into the devastating impact of drug-related offenses on communities.

David Fleming (07:54): "You do see the great impact across the whole community when someone dies from a drug overdose... when we conduct the investigation, you're dealing with the family and friends and quite devastating for them to lose such a loved person in their life."

The Unfolding of the Seizure

As the excavator arrived at the Port Botany container terminal, the ABF swiftly identified its suspicious nature. However, the excavator was heavily contaminated, necessitating extensive cleaning before examination.

Laura Howe (14:35): "I was told over the phone quite early on when it had arrived that it wasn't in a state that would normally mean that it was able to remain here in Australia... we have to get it quite thoroughly cleaned."

Once cleared, the excavator underwent X-ray scanning, revealing an astonishing 384 kilograms of cocaine concealed within its hydraulic lifting arm.

Laura Howe (17:03): "I recall it being quite a small room... and my colleague got all the way in and only his feet were sticking out the end of the arm to make sure that we hadn't left any."

The sheer volume was unprecedented for ACT policing.

Laura Howe (20:27): "I had only seen probably about 5 kilos of drugs by that point. I'd certainly never seen that much before."

The Role of Adam and Tim: The Receivers

The cocaine-laden excavator was destined for two men, Adam and Tim, who ran a struggling landscaping business in Bungendore, New South Wales. Their involvement marked a significant escalation in ACT policing's drug investigations.

David Fleming (09:42): "The biggest we'd done before was we found 5 kilos of cocaine... the majority of drug matters that we've investigated down here have been small amounts easily under the 5 kilo mark."

Surveillance revealed Adam and Tim's obliviousness to the true nature of their cargo until their move to dismantle the excavator triggered the arrests.

Jeff Aglund (32:39): "Being the onshore receiver of a shipment of this size... is the highest risk role in relation to the operation."

Their eventual arrest not only curtailed a massive drug influx but also highlighted the vulnerabilities within organized crime networks that exploit everyday businesses for illicit gains.

The Aftermath: Impact and Insights

The successful seizure of 384 kilograms of cocaine, valued at approximately AUD 144 million, had profound implications for both the community and the broader drug trafficking networks.

David Fleming (26:31): "Very high level of purity... you could see how much other substances get put into it to increase the volume and the amount of profit that people can make out from selling it."

Jeff Aglund emphasized the broader financial implications for criminal networks.

Jeff Aglund (25:40): "There's millions and millions of dollars worth of drugs there... it’s further funding more operations and more drugs coming into Australia."

The operation not only dismantled a significant drug shipment but also provided invaluable intelligence for future investigations.

Lorell (40:03): "It contributes a lot because a big part of our analysis is identifying the convergences... our knowledge, we can build on that to predict what might be coming next."

Reflections and Final Messages

The episode concludes with reflections from key personnel on the importance of such operations and advice to potential recruits to avoid the pitfalls of entanglement in organized crime.

Lorell (42:04): "Don't do it. My advice to people like that would be stop and think about what you're going to lose before you anticipate what you're going to gain."

Jason Regan encapsulates the AFP and ABF’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the community.

Jason Regan (44:33): "It's not worth it on a number of reasons... no matter how much money's involved, these are precious moments with your family... we're going to find it... in every possible aspect, you're outweighed in this cat and mouse game."

Conclusion: The Legacy of Operation Buxtehude

Operation Buxtehude stands as a testament to the dedication and expertise of the Australian Federal Police and their partners. By intercepting one of the largest cocaine shipments in the nation's history, the AFP not only disrupted a major drug network but also reinforced the importance of intelligence-led policing and inter-agency collaboration. The operation highlights the relentless pursuit of law enforcement to protect Australian communities from the pervasive threats of organized crime and illicit drugs.

For More Information:
Interested listeners are encouraged to visit afp.gov.au to learn more about the AFP's efforts in combating drug importation and safeguarding Australian communities. If you have any information regarding the manufacturing, importation, or dealing of illicit drugs, contact Crimestoppers at 1-800-330-000 or visit the Crimestoppers website.