British authorities announced the largest ever cocaine seizure in the UK – over 12,500 pounds (5.7 tons) worth $568 million found hidden in a shipment of bananas at the port of Southampton.
The cocaine was concealed in containers transported from South America and believed intended for Hamburg, Germany.
“This record-breaking seizure will represent a huge hit to the international organized crime cartels involved, denying them massive profits,” NCA Director Chris Farrimond stated.
“While the destination for the consignment was continental Europe in this case, I have no doubt that a significant proportion would have ended up back here in the U.K., being peddled by U.K. criminal gangs.”
While the destination was Europe, authorities said some would likely end up in the UK drug market.
The record bust is expected to significantly impact international crime groups, as such work denies them large profits.
Cocaine trafficking through ports has risen significantly in Europe in recent years, with the Netherlands, Spain and Belgium accounting for most seizures.
The announcement came a day after US border agents seized 6.5 tons of methamphetamine, the largest such seizure at a US port.