£184 Million Cocaine Haul Seized in Massive UK Drug Bust
In one of the UK’s biggest-ever drug seizures, authorities have intercepted a staggering 2.3 tonnes of cocaine worth a whopping £184 million. The haul was uncovered in a joint operation led by the National Crime Agency (NCA) and the Metropolitan Police Organised Crime Partnership (OCP).
Banana Cargo from Colombia Concealed £184m of Cocaine
The cocaine arrived hidden inside 41 pallets disguised as a shipment of bananas. The container docked at Portsmouth International Port on 14 February before Border Force officers swooped in to seize the illicit cargo.
Ten Men Arrested in North London Drug Sting
- Five suspects detained at an industrial estate in Tottenham after receiving the pallets
- Another five arrested at a separate industrial estate in Enfield
- The men, aged 21 to 56, remain in custody with three charged with Class A drug importation
Authorities Hit Back Against Organised Crime
John Coles, Head of Specialist Operations at the NCA, said: “This is a massive seizure which has denied organised criminals hundreds of millions in profits.”
“Cocaine supply fuels violence, firearms offences, and the exploitation of vulnerable people. Our joint investigation targeted those at the top of this dangerous trade.”
Detective Superintendent Simon Moring from the Met said: “This operation highlights the power of partnership to keep drugs off our streets and communities safe.”
“Tackling drug importation is vital in reducing violent crime across London.”
The 17-year-old Organised Crime Partnership combines equal forces from the NCA and Met Police, focusing on cutting the flow of drugs into London and dismantling criminal networks profiting from this deadly trade.
