The Australian Federal Police said the seizure of more than 400 kilograms of drugs from SA waters would likely lead to "payback" in the criminal underworld, and is warning of further arrests.
Australian Federal Police (AFP) assistant commissioner Peter Harvey said the drug bust was the result of a multi-agency investigation into organised international crime.
"The investigation was launched in mid-March after an assessment of intelligence that suggested a commercial bulk-carrier ship, the Kypros Bravery, was to be used to traffic illicit drugs into Australia," he said.
Assistant Commissioner Harvey said police believed the drugs were dropped off at a predetermined location in "deep waters" off the Yorke Peninsula on March 15.
Volunteer coast guard members confirmed they had rescued a small boat that ran out of fuel in Investigator Strait, near Kangaroo Island, on the same day.
"The Australian Border Force conducted a methodical, arduous, and endless search of the ocean area and located the shipment on the 18th of March," Assistant Commissioner Harvey said.
Assistant Commissioner Harvey said the scale of the cocaine shipment indicated Adelaide was not its sole destination.
“The sheer volume of drugs is a clear indication that the haul was not just for South Australia, but more than likely destined for all major cities in the country.
The multi-jurisdictional investigation between the AFP, South Australian Police, Australian Border Force, Department of Home Affairs, and Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission continues.
Four Filipino crew members — Alcris Dente Mabini, Mark Torrenueva Enriquez, Angelito Devalque Balansag and Ian Gelan Dizon — were charged with drug importation and today appeared in the Port Adelaide Magistrates Court.
The men did not apply for bail and will face court again later this month.