Nearly a Ton of Suspected Cocaine Washes Up on East Sussex Beaches
Almost a tonne of what is believed to be cocaine has been found on the East Sussex coast, sparking a major National Crime Agency (NCA) investigation. Two separate drug consignments were discovered on beaches near Hastings and Newhaven yesterday (24 May).
Drugs Found Floating in Life Jackets
Passers-by spotted the suspicious packages, all sealed in waterproof bags and attached to life jackets to keep them afloat. They promptly alerted Sussex Police, who safely removed the drugs and transferred them to a secure location. The NCA has since linked the two seizures and launched an inquiry.
Cocaine Valued at £80 Million
Samples tested positive for cocaine, with a full forensic examination underway. Experts estimate the haul weighs around 960 kilograms. If cut and sold on UK streets, the drugs could fetch an eye-watering £80 million.
NCA Targets South American Crime Networks
“This is a significant amount of class A drugs which we think originated in South America, but we are keeping an open mind about how the drugs washed up here and where the end destination might have been,” said Martin Grace, NCA Branch Commander.
Grace added: “Losing a consignment of this size is a major blow to the criminal networks involved. Our investigation is supported by Sussex Police, Border Force, and likely international partners.”
