Two men have been busted in a major drugs haul in Southend, Essex. The 54 and 38-year-olds were arrested on Thursday evening on suspicion of conspiracy to import class A drugs.
100 Kilos of Cocaine Found in Essex Port
The arrests follow the discovery of around 100 kilos of cocaine hidden in two shipping containers. These containers were shipped all the way from Costa Rica to the 1 Gateway container port in Stanford-le-Hope, Essex.
Crime Rings Use Insiders to Smuggle Drugs
Jacque Beer, NCA Regional Head of Investigations, warned: “Organised crime groups frequently rely on the knowledge and access of trusted insiders at ports and airports to bring in their illicit commodities. It is a threat that we are aware of and are treating as a priority.”
She added, “We are determined to do everything possible, in collaboration with our law enforcement partners and port operators, to disrupt criminal activity and protect the UK’s border security.”
Joint Force Operation Hits Back Hard
The crackdown was a collaborative effort involving the National Crime Agency (NCA), Border Force, Eastern Region Special Operations Unit, Essex Police, and Kent Police. The operation is ongoing as officers hunt for more conspirators.
