3 Australians arrested in Serbia in drug-smuggling case

BELGRADE, Serbia – Serbian police have arrested three Australian citizens suspected of being part of an international drug-smuggling group.

The police alleged in a statement issued on Wednesday that the men “are linked to” the discovery of 1,280 kilograms (2,822 pounds) of cocaine that was seized last April on a Chinese boat docked in Sydney, Australia. They said the drugs were worth 500 million Australian dollars ($400 million.)

Police released footage of the arrests that took place in the lobby of a Belgrade hotel. A bag filled with foreign currency banknotes also was shown, and police said the arrests were made during a “money handover.” A Lebanese citizen was detained and charged with having forged identity documents.

Serbian authorities said the arrests were made in co-operation with Australian police.