UK’s Largest Narcotics Bust In History Worth £450 Million Seized From Cargo Ship

The National Crime Agency (NCA) and Border Force have carried out what is believed to be the biggest class A narcotics bust in UK history. On February 8th, 2024, 5.7 tonnes of cocaine were discovered in Southampton Port, hidden within a cargo of bananas from South America. The details of this operation have just been revealed.

Specialist Border Force personnel, prompted by the NCA’s Near Europe Task Force, carried out the search that resulted in the discovery. The NCA identified the suspicious shipment, prompting the inspection. The drugs were discovered concealed within the cargo of bananas, leading to a thorough investigation.

According to the NCA’s investigation, the planned destination for this massive haul was the Port of Hamburg, Germany, indicating an extensive distribution network. Efforts are underway to cooperate with foreign partners throughout Europe to identify the illicit organisations responsible for the shipment.

Based on UK market values, the seized cocaine is believed to be worth more than £450 million, demonstrating the enormous profitability of the illegal drug trade. This seizure well exceeds prior records, with the largest previous hauls totalling 3.7 tonnes in Southampton in 2022 and 3.2 tonnes aboard the MV Hamal in Scotland in 2015.

The NCA stresses cocaine trafficking’s broad impact on society, linking it to violent crime along the supply chain, including incidences using firearms and knives in the United Kingdom. According to the agency, criminal organisations make almost £4 billion each year from the cocaine market in the United Kingdom alone.

Chris Farrimond, the Director of NCA, highlights this operation’s significance in disrupting international organised crime and undermining their profit-making efforts. Farrimond emphasises the NCA’s critical role in completing this accomplishment and the need for international law enforcement collaboration in combating such illegal activity.

Tom Pursglove MP, the Minister for Legal Migration and the Border, applauds Border Force officers and the NCA for their relentless efforts in capturing the record-breaking seizure. Pursglove talks about the government’s firm position against illegal drug supply, as well as its unwavering commitment to border security and public safety.

The NCA’s Near Europe Task Force, funded by the Home Office Drug Strategy, remains committed to combating the worldwide drug trade, disrupting criminal activities, and protecting the UK from the scourge of narcotics trafficking. This historic seizure marks a significant milestone in the continuing battle against drug trafficking, demonstrating UK authorities’ willingness to safeguard communities from the destruction caused by illegal substances.

Reference: NCA

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