In one of the largest drug seizures in UK history, authorities have confiscated 2.4 tonnes of cocaine valued at approximately £96 million. The massive haul was discovered hidden beneath
containers on a ship that arrived at London Gateway port in Thurrock, Essex, from Panama.
The operation, led by intelligence and carried out earlier this year, culminated in the interception of the ship as it reached the UK this week. With assistance from the port operator, 37 large containers were moved to uncover the illicit cargo.
Border Force's maritime director, Charlie Eastaugh, stated, “This seizure – one of the largest of its kind – shows our determination to stay ahead of the criminal gangs threatening our borders. We are using intelligence and international cooperation to disrupt and dismantle these operations.”
This marks the sixth-largest cocaine seizure in UK history. According to Mr. Eastaugh, container ships are a common method used by international gangs to smuggle Class A drugs into the country.
The Home Office reports a 31% increase in cocaine-related deaths in England and Wales from 2022 to 2023.
In a separate incident at Dover Port in Kent this weekend, authorities uncovered another major smuggling attempt. A lorry was found carrying 170 kilos of ketamine, 4,000 MDMA pills, and 20 firearms. The estimated street value of the ketamine alone is £4.5 million, while the MDMA is worth around £40,000.
The lorry driver, a 34-year-old man from Tajikistan, was arrested at the scene on suspicion of smuggling. Photo by Argv0, Wikimedia commons.