Authorities have seized approximately 2.9 tonnes of cocaine, with an estimated street value of £232 million, hidden within a shipment of bananas originating from South America.
The large quantity of drugs was discovered on Thursday at London Gateway Port in Thurrock, Essex. Following the discovery, Border Force officers tracked the container's onward journey to an address near Buntingford in Hertfordshire.
At this location, officers intercepted the consignment and subsequently arrested nine men. These individuals are believed to be connected to the smuggling operation. The arrested men have since been released on bail pending further investigation.
The National Crime Agency had provided Border Force with intelligence regarding the illegal shipment, which enabled the operation.
