Cocaine worth $1bn found in Sydney as alleged kidnap plot ends in five arrests

NSW police respond to reports of a break-in at a Ryde apartment - then discover 722kg of the drug

• Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates
• Get our morning and afternoon news emails,free app or daily news podcast

A foiled alleged kidnapping plot by four men in north-west Sydney has led New South Wales police to unearth more than $1bn worth of cocaine.

Officers responded to reports of a break and enter at a unit block in Ryde in the north of the city at 6.25am on Monday to find four men sitting in a Toyota Yaris in the unit's underground car park wearing black clothing and face coverings.

Sign up for Guardian Australia's free morning and afternoon email newsletters for your daily news roundup