9News.com reported that 1.464 tonnes of cocaine, with a value of about $320 million, was seized near New Caledonia on July 27 with four crew arrested who are believed to be Lithuanian and Latvian, the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission said.

 

ACIC officials worked closely with French authorities to foil the plot, which is believed to have been organised by a South American crime syndicate.

 

"Congratulations to the Marine Francaise and Gendarmerie Nationale for their efforts in relation to this record haul of cocaine," ACIC said last week.

 

"We are thankful for the action taken by French authorities which has stopped the drugs reaching the streets of Australia."

 

The vessel has been towed to New Caledonia capital Noumea for further investigation and testing, 9News.com reported.