Massive Cocaine Haul Worth £90M Seized at Kent Port
Over one tonne of cocaine has been seized in a high-stakes National Crime Agency (NCA) raid at Sheerness port, Kent. Seven men have been arrested and charged following a major crackdown on an organised crime group allegedly using an insider to smuggle class A drugs into the UK.
100 Officers Storm Sheerness Port
In the early hours of 20 December, more than 100 officers, including the NCA’s Armed Operations Unit and specialist firearm teams from Kent Police, sealed off Sheerness port. The operation was backed up by Border Force and carried out with the cooperation of the port operator, aiming to shut down a criminal network exploiting the facility.
Drugs Hidden in Banana Shipment from Costa Rica
Investigators believe the cocaine arrived hidden inside a shipment of bananas transported by sea from Costa Rica. The haul weighs a staggering 1.2 tonnes and could have a street value exceeding £90 million.
NCA Sounds the Alarm on Port Insiders
“Our investigation targeted what we believe is a dangerous group intent on flooding the UK with drugs using insider contacts at the port,” said Jacque Beer, NCA Regional Head of Investigation. “Criminal gangs often exploit insiders in ports and airports for their access and knowledge. While rare, these breaches pose a huge threat.”
“This operation has stopped their plans and dismantled the network involved. It was a major effort involving the NCA, Kent Police, Border Force, and the port operator. Together, we’re committed to safeguarding the UK border.”
The arrests mark a crucial victory in the fight against organised drug smuggling and highlight the ongoing risks of corruption within critical UK infrastructure.
