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In one of the UK’s largest-ever drug busts, Border Force officers have seized 2.4 tonnes of cocaine worth nearly £100 million at London Gateway Port, marking the sixth-largest cocaine seizure on record.
The enormous haul was found concealed beneath 37 large shipping containers on a vessel arriving from Panama, following an intelligence-led operation involving specialist officers and port operator DP World.
Major Blow to Organised Crime
The drugs were discovered earlier this month by Border Force Maritime officers using intelligence and scanning equipment. The ship was targeted after tip-offs linked it to organised crime gangs attempting to smuggle illegal narcotics into the UK.
The Home Office confirmed the haul’s estimated street value at £96 million.
Seema Malhotra, Minister for Migration and Citizenship, said:
“Drugs gangs trying to import illegal substances into the UK are a blight on society. We will leave no stone unturned in our pursuit of organised crime gangs inflicting addiction, misery and death upon Britain’s communities.”
She praised the operation as a major success for national security and public health.
How the Operation Unfolded
According to Border Force Maritime Director Charlie Eastaugh, the bust highlights how law enforcement is staying one step ahead of criminal networks through intelligence, international cooperation, and technology.
“This seizure is a clear warning. Our message to organised crime is simple – we are dismantling your networks and shutting down your operations.”
Officers moved 37 containers to uncover the tightly concealed narcotics, which were packed beneath legitimate cargo in a bid to avoid detection.
Cocaine-Related Deaths on the Rise
The seizure comes amid a troubling rise in cocaine-related deaths. According to new Home Office data, such deaths in England and Wales rose 31% between 2022 and 2023, highlighting the ongoing impact of illicit drugs on public health.
Intelligence-Led Strategy
This operation forms part of the UK’s broader counter-narcotics strategy, involving:
- Enhanced port security and surveillance
- International cooperation with law enforcement agencies
- Expanded use of scanning and detection technology
- Crackdowns on trafficking routes from Latin America
No arrests have yet been reported in connection with the seizure, but investigations are ongoing.
Background: Recent UK Drug Seizures
This seizure ranks among other major busts, including:
- A 3.2-tonne cocaine haul at Felixstowe in 2021
- A 2.1-tonne shipment stopped in Southampton in 2019
Key Facts:
- Location: London Gateway Port, Essex
- Weight Seized: 2.4 tonnes of cocaine
- Estimated Street Value: £96 million
- Origin: Panama
- Operation: Intelligence-led Border Force investigation
