Latest news with #MDMA
ITV News
2 hours ago
- ITV News
Massive cocaine haul weighing more than a rhino seized at UK port
Border Force officers have seized 2.4 tonnes of cocaine with a value of almost £100 million in one of the biggest drugs busts in years. The enormous haul was found under containers on a ship arriving into London Gateway port from Panama, the Home Office said. Specialist officers detected the shipment earlier this month after carrying out an intelligence-led operation. With help from the port operator, they moved 37 large containers to get at the stash, which weighed more than an adult white rhino (around 2.3 tonnes). Worth an estimated £96 million, it marks the sixth-largest cocaine seizure since records began. Minister for migration and citizenship Seema Malhotra said: 'Drugs gangs trying to import illegal substances into the UK are a blight on society and we will leave no stone left unturned in our pursuit of organised crime gangs inflicting addiction, misery and death upon Britain's communities. 'Well done to Border Force Maritime officers on a hugely successful operation, which has struck a major blow against the criminals threatening our country.' Cocaine-related deaths in England and Wales rose by 31% between 2022 and 2023, the Home Office said. Border Force Maritime director Charlie Eastaugh said: 'This seizure – one of the largest of its kind – is just one example of how dedicated Border Force maritime officers remain one step ahead of the criminal gangs who threaten our security. 'Our message to these criminals is clear – more than ever before, we are using intelligence and international law enforcement co-operation to disrupt and dismantle your operations.' National Crime Agency investigators estimate the street value of the ketamine would have been around £4.5 million and £40,000 for the MDMA. The driver, a 34-year-old Tajikstan national, was arrested on suspicion of smuggling the illegal items.
ITV News
3 hours ago
- ITV News
Significant seizure at Port of Dover could have caused 'untold damage'
A significant haul of firearms, ammunition, ketamine and MDMA has been discovered at the Port of Dover. 20 firearms, 320 rounds of ammunition and 170kg of ketamine were found in a Lithuanian registered heavy goods vehicle which was stopped by Border Force officers on Monday 23rd June. The National Crime Agency estimates the ketamine has a street value of around £4.5 million while the 4,000 MDMA pills are thought to be worth of £40,000. Investigations are being carried out to assess if the firearms are viable pistols. The driver, a 34-year-old Tajikstan national, was arrested on suspicion of smuggling the illegal items but has since been bailed while enquiries continue. NCA senior investigating officer Darren Herbert said: "With thanks to our Border Force colleagues, an arsenal of deadly firearms, as well as harmful drugs, have been seized before they could reach the criminal supply chain. "Our investigation to trace and detain the individuals responsible for the attempted importation is ongoing. "Alongside our domestic and international partners, we are relentless in our efforts to suppress the supply of firearms to UK-based organised crime groups." Border Force Director for South East Region, Dave Smith said: "This is a significant seizure which demonstrates the vital work Border Force officers do every day to keep lethal weapons and dangerous drugs off our streets. "The firearms and drugs intercepted could have caused untold damage to our communities if they had reached their intended destination. "We will continue to work closely with the NCA to bring those responsible to justice and disrupt criminal networks involved in smuggling."
Daily Record
3 hours ago
- Daily Record
Cocaine worth £100m seized by Border Force officers in huge port bust
It is the sixth-largest cocaine haul found since records began. Border Force officers have seized 2.4 tonnes of cocaine with a value of almost £100 million in one of the biggest drugs busts in years. The enormous haul was found under containers on a ship arriving into London Gateway port from Panama, the Home Office said. Specialist officers detected the shipment earlier this month after carrying out an intelligence-led operation. With help from the port operator, they moved 37 large containers to get at the stash. Worth an estimated £96 million, it marks the sixth-largest cocaine seizure since records began. Minister for migration and citizenship Seema Malhotra said: "Drugs gangs trying to import illegal substances into the UK are a blight on society. "We will leave no stone left unturned in our pursuit of organised crime gangs inflicting addiction, misery and death upon Britain's communities. Well done to Border Force Maritime officers on a hugely successful operation, which has struck a major blow against the criminals threatening our country." Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Cocaine-related deaths in England and Wales rose by 31% between 2022 and 2023, the Home Office said. Border Force Maritime director Charlie Eastaugh said: "This seizure – one of the largest of its kind – is just one example of how dedicated Border Force maritime officers remain one step ahead of the criminal gangs who threaten our security. "Our message to these criminals is clear – more than ever before, we are using intelligence and international law enforcement co-operation to disrupt and dismantle your operations." Container ships are one of the main methods used by gangs to smuggle cocaine into the UK, Mr Eastaugh told The Times. Meanwhile, a haul of 20 firearms, 320 rounds of ammunition, 170kg of ketamine and 4,000 MDMA pills have been found in a lorry at Dover Port. National Crime Agency investigators estimate the street value of the ketamine would have been around £4.5 million and £40,000 for the MDMA. The driver, a 34-year-old Tajikstan national, was arrested on suspicion of smuggling the illegal items.
Glasgow Times
4 hours ago
- Glasgow Times
Massive cocaine haul valued at £100m seized at UK port
The enormous haul was found under containers on a ship arriving into London Gateway port from Panama, the Home Office said. Specialist officers detected the shipment earlier this month after carrying out an intelligence-led operation. With help from the port operator, they moved 37 large containers to get at the stash. Worth an estimated £96 million, it marks the sixth-largest cocaine seizure since records began. Minister for migration and citizenship Seema Malhotra said: 'Drugs gangs trying to import illegal substances into the UK are a blight on society and we will leave no stone left unturned in our pursuit of organised crime gangs inflicting addiction, misery and death upon Britain's communities. 'Well done to Border Force Maritime officers on a hugely successful operation, which has struck a major blow against the criminals threatening our country.' Cocaine-related deaths in England and Wales rose by 31% between 2022 and 2023, the Home Office said. Border Force Maritime director Charlie Eastaugh said: 'This seizure – one of the largest of its kind – is just one example of how dedicated Border Force maritime officers remain one step ahead of the criminal gangs who threaten our security. 'Our message to these criminals is clear – more than ever before, we are using intelligence and international law enforcement co-operation to disrupt and dismantle your operations.' Container ships are one of the main methods used by gangs to smuggle cocaine into the UK, Mr Eastaugh told The Times. Meanwhile, a haul of 20 firearms, 320 rounds of ammunition, 170kg of ketamine and 4,000 MDMA pills have been found in a lorry at Dover Port. National Crime Agency investigators estimate the street value of the ketamine would have been around £4.5 million and £40,000 for the MDMA. The driver, a 34-year-old Tajikstan national, was arrested on suspicion of smuggling the illegal items.
South Wales Guardian
4 hours ago
- South Wales Guardian
Massive cocaine haul valued at £100m seized at UK port
The enormous haul was found under containers on a ship arriving into London Gateway port from Panama, the Home Office said. Specialist officers detected the shipment earlier this month after carrying out an intelligence-led operation. With help from the port operator, they moved 37 large containers to get at the stash. Worth an estimated £96 million, it marks the sixth-largest cocaine seizure since records began. Minister for migration and citizenship Seema Malhotra said: 'Drugs gangs trying to import illegal substances into the UK are a blight on society and we will leave no stone left unturned in our pursuit of organised crime gangs inflicting addiction, misery and death upon Britain's communities. 'Well done to Border Force Maritime officers on a hugely successful operation, which has struck a major blow against the criminals threatening our country.' Cocaine-related deaths in England and Wales rose by 31% between 2022 and 2023, the Home Office said. Border Force Maritime director Charlie Eastaugh said: 'This seizure – one of the largest of its kind – is just one example of how dedicated Border Force maritime officers remain one step ahead of the criminal gangs who threaten our security. 'Our message to these criminals is clear – more than ever before, we are using intelligence and international law enforcement co-operation to disrupt and dismantle your operations.' Container ships are one of the main methods used by gangs to smuggle cocaine into the UK, Mr Eastaugh told The Times. Meanwhile, a haul of 20 firearms, 320 rounds of ammunition, 170kg of ketamine and 4,000 MDMA pills have been found in a lorry at Dover Port. National Crime Agency investigators estimate the street value of the ketamine would have been around £4.5 million and £40,000 for the MDMA. The driver, a 34-year-old Tajikstan national, was arrested on suspicion of smuggling the illegal items.
