In a joint operation, Metropolitan Police officers collaborated with UK Border Force officials to thwart a daring drug-smuggling gang that had ingeniously concealed cocaine with an estimated street value of £10 million within the linings of banana boxes.
This successful operation underscores the Met’s unwavering commitment to removing drugs from London’s streets and combating crime within local communities.
The operation unfolded with the seizure of two shipments of bananas arriving at Portsmouth International Port from the Dominican Republic, one on Saturday, January 20, and the other on Friday, January 26. Border Force officers, conducting meticulous searches, uncovered the illicit drugs cleverly concealed within the cardboard packaging of the banana shipments.
Following the seizure, Met Specialist Crime officers launched a relentless round-the-clock effort to gather additional evidence. Their painstaking investigations led them to an address in Acton, where they executed a search warrant, subsequently arresting the individuals present at the location.
Detective Chief Inspector Lewis Sanderson, leading the investigation, emphasized the ongoing commitment of officers to combat the crimes most affecting Londoners. He underscored the devastating impact of drugs on communities, citing their association with anti-social behaviour, violence, and addiction.
Sanderson remarked, “The Met will continue to target those who illegally import drugs into London. Working closely with the UK Border Force has been integral in acting swiftly and apprehending those suspected of these offences.
The detective chief inspector voiced his conviction that these narcotics were destined for distribution across London and beyond. He affirmed that collaborative efforts between law enforcement agencies are essential to dismantling large-scale drug networks that exploit vulnerable individuals and sow misery.
Three men, aged 31, 34, and 37, were arrested on suspicion of cocaine importation. As of the latest update, they remain in police custody.
The Metropolitan Police reaffirmed its commitment to transforming community safety by responding to local priorities in their initiative called “A New Met for London.” Further information about this commitment can be found at A New Met for London.
