SYDNEY, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- Two men have been charged with major drug offenses after allegedly dumping about 600 kg of cocaine in the ocean in a pursuit by a multi-agency security taskforce off the coast of northern New South Wales state, Australian police said on Thursday.

Border and defense forces first spotted the duo, aged 36 and 53, heading toward shore in a small vessel on Wednesday, according to a joint statement from agencies including the federal police and criminal intelligence commission.

The men attempted to evade the authorities, "jettisoning items into the sea". The two were later intercepted and the retrieved items were found to contain the illegal drugs.

"That we have stopped such a large amount of cocaine from hitting the streets of Australia is a testament to the combined efforts of all agencies involved," said Australian Federal Police Detective Superintendent Andrew Donoghoe.

"Our significant on-water presence has once again seen a large-scale importation of drugs thwarted," said Commander Maritime Border Command, Rear Admiral Peter Laver.

Investigations are ongoing and there could be more arrests related to the major drug bust, said police.

The two suspects were charged with possession of a commercial quantity of a border-controlled drug and face a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.