In less than a month, authorities at the UK border confiscated over £400 million worth of cocaine. Significant operations conducted in February and March at London Gateway port led to the sixth-largest cocaine seizure on record.
Disguised as banana boxes in a shipping container, a massive three-tonne haul of cocaine, valued at £256 million, was uncovered. This haul, heavier than an adult rhino, was intercepted by Elite Border Security Command Maritime officers on February 27, 2026. The smugglers had ingeniously camouflaged the drugs among fruit in an attempt to mimic the shape and weight of banana boxes. However, high-tech scanners exposed the concealment, revealing nearly 2,800 packages of cocaine.
Additionally, on March 24, authorities seized cocaine valued at around £80 million from a shipping container transporting South American wine. When combined with other seizures in March, the total amount of cocaine detected at London Gateway port in under a month exceeded five tonnes, with an estimated street value exceeding £400 million.
Minister for Migration and Citizenship Mike Tapp commended the efforts of Border Force teams in removing substantial quantities of dangerous drugs from circulation, causing criminal organizations to lose estimated profits worth over £400 million. Tapp emphasized the government’s commitment to combating the drug trade and ensuring border security and public safety.
Director of Maritime and Small Boats Charlie Eastaugh emphasized the effectiveness of the operations in disrupting organized crime activities. He stated that the recent significant cocaine seizure was a significant blow to criminal networks, highlighting the collaborative efforts with law enforcement and intelligence agencies to safeguard the public.
Cookie Notification: This website uses cookies and other identifiers to enhance user experience, analyze usage, and provide personalized advertising. You can manage your data preferences by clicking the “Do Not Sell or Share my Data” button. By using our website, you agree to our use of cookies as outlined in our Privacy Notice and Terms and Conditions.