Border Force has achieved its highest-ever number of illegal drug seizures, preventing dangerous substances from reaching communities across the UK.
In the year ending March 2024, Border Force and police seized over 119 tonnes of illegal drugs, with an estimated street value of £3 billion. This marks a 52% increase from the previous year and sets a new record for drug seizures since data collection began.
Collective efforts by Border Force and police resulted in 217,644 drug seizures across England and Wales, a 13% rise compared to 2023. Border Force alone carried out 40,639 seizures, the highest number on record and a 57% increase year-on-year.
Record Cocaine and Cannabis Seizures
Cocaine seizures surged by 52%, with more than 28 tonnes confiscated by police and Border Force combined. Additionally, herbal cannabis seizures hit record levels, with over 74 tonnes intercepted—a 58% increase compared to the previous year and the largest quantity since records began in 1973.
Government Commends Border Force Efforts
Seema Malhotra, Minister for Migration and Citizenship, visited Border Force officers at Stansted Airport to commend their efforts in combating drug smuggling.
“We are unwavering in our commitment to protecting the public from illegal drugs that threaten lives,” Malhotra stated. “I thank our dedicated Border Force officers, alongside police forces and the NCA, for their tireless work in removing these harmful substances from our streets and keeping our communities safe.”
The minister emphasized that these statistics send a strong message to organized criminal gangs: those attempting to smuggle drugs into the UK will face severe consequences.
High-Tech Tools and Strategic Partnerships
Border Force employs advanced detection methods, including hi-tech search equipment, to intercept illegal goods. Collaborations between police forces, the National Crime Agency (NCA), and international partners bolster efforts to safeguard UK borders and dismantle drug trafficking operations.
New Measures to Combat Drug Threats
In addition to increased enforcement, the government has banned over 20 dangerous substances, including xylazine, as part of its ongoing efforts to tackle the drug crisis and enhance public safety.
The government’s Plan for Change includes expanding access to naloxone, a life-saving drug, and training Border Force dogs to detect nitazenes and fentanyl.
These combined actions reflect the government’s commitment to disrupting organized crime and saving lives, contributing to its broader mission of creating safer streets and communities. Photo by ukhomeoffice, Wikimedia commons.