Aussie police find 722 kg of cocaine linked to kidnapping plot

SYDNEY - Australian police on Tuesday said an investigation into a foiled kidnapping plot led them to the discovery of 722 kg of cocaine in Sydney, reported German news agency (dpa).

New South Wales (NSW) police on Monday arrested four men "wearing all-black clothing and face coverings" while sitting in a car following reports of a break and enter in the Sydney suburb of Ryde, authorities said in a statement.

Police said they searched the car and located "items consistent with a kidnapping attempt".

Detectives then identified the intended victim of the alleged kidnapping attempt and discovered 722 kg of cocaine - with an estimated street value of over AU$1 billion (US$670 million) - in a property related to the 24-year-old man.

The four alleged aspiring kidnappers were charged with five offences each, including being armed with intent to commit an indictable offence and being part of a criminal group.

The intended victim was charged with supply of a commercial quantity of a prohibited drug and knowingly dealing with the proceeds of crime.

NSW police said they believe the four men broke into the unit complex with the intent to rob and kidnap the occupant. - BERNAMA-DPA