Authorities at the UK border have seized over £400 million worth of cocaine within a month.
During operations in February and March at London Gateway port, a significant cocaine seizure occurred, ranking as the sixth-largest on record.
The massive three-tonne haul, weighing more than an adult rhino, was found hidden in banana boxes in a shipping container. Its estimated street value is £256 million.
Elite Border Security Command Maritime officers intercepted the shipment from Panama en route to the Netherlands on February 27, 2026. The smugglers attempted to disguise the cocaine as bananas in a single container, mimicking the shape and weight of banana boxes. Advanced scanners revealed the concealment, leading to the discovery of nearly 2,800 packages of cocaine, marking one of the largest seizures on record.
On March 24, approximately £80 million worth of cocaine was seized from a container transporting South American wine. When combined with other seizures in March, the total amount detected at London Gateway port in less than a month exceeded five tonnes, with an estimated street value surpassing £400 million.
Minister for Migration and Citizenship Mike Tapp commended the Border Force teams for their outstanding work in removing large quantities of dangerous drugs from circulation, disrupting criminal organizations and preventing an estimated £400 million in profits.
Tapp emphasized the government’s commitment to combating drug trafficking, stating that drug seizures have reached record levels under the current administration. Efforts to secure borders, ensure public safety, and combat illicit activities will continue unabated.
Director of Maritime and Small Boats Charlie Eastaugh declared a strong stance against drug smugglers, highlighting the recent significant cocaine seizure as a significant blow to organized crime.
Eastaugh affirmed collaboration with law enforcement and intelligence partners both locally and internationally to dismantle criminal networks and safeguard the public.
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