British border police have seized 2.4 tons of cocaine with a worth of virtually £100 million ($137 million) in one of many greatest drug busts in years.
The huge haul was discovered below containers on a ship arriving into London Gateway port from Panama, the Home Office stated.
Specialist officers detected the cargo earlier this month after finishing up an intelligence-led operation.
With assist from the port operator, they moved 37 giant containers to get on the stash.
Worth an estimated £96 million, it marks the sixth-largest cocaine seizure since information started.
Minister for migration and citizenship Seema Malhotra stated: “Drugs gangs making an attempt to import unlawful substances into the UK are a blight on society and we are going to depart no stone left unturned in our pursuit of organized crime gangs inflicting habit, distress and dying upon Britain’s communities.
“Well done to Border Force Maritime officers on a hugely successful operation, which has struck a major blow against the criminals threatening our country.”
Cocaine-related deaths in England and Wales rose by 31% between 2022 and 2023, the Home Office stated.
Border Force Maritime director Charlie Eastaugh stated: “This seizure – one of many largest of its variety – is only one instance of how devoted Border Force maritime officers stay one step forward of the felony gangs who threaten our safety.
“Our message to these criminals is clear – more than ever before, we are using intelligence and international law enforcement co-operation to disrupt and dismantle your operations.”
Source: www.dailysabah.com