In one of the most significant drug interceptions in British history, U.K. authorities have seized over $130 million worth of cocaine from a cargo ship docked at London Gateway port, officials confirmed Saturday.
The vessel, arriving from Panama, was found to be carrying 2.4 metric tons of high-purity cocaine, strategically concealed beneath shipping containers. The dramatic discovery was the result of an intelligence-driven, international law enforcement operation, according to Britain’s Home Office.
Officials say this bust ranks among the top six ever recorded in the United Kingdom. The drugs… estimated at a street value of £96 million ($132 million)… were intercepted before they could fuel Britain’s already growing cocaine crisis.
Charlie Eastaugh, Director of the U.K. Border Force Maritime Unit, emphasized the country’s aggressive crackdown on international smuggling rings… “This major operation sends a strong message… our teams are using world-class intelligence and cross-border cooperation to stop criminals before they strike.”
