Police Seize £10 Million Cocaine Haul in Underwater Container Ship Raid
In a major operation, police officers have successfully seized a massive £10 million worth of cocaine during a raid on a container ship at Sheerness Port in Kent. The drugs, weighing 137 kilos (302 pounds), were cleverly concealed in four large holdalls placed below the water line inside the sea chest, a designated area for seawater intake to maintain ship stability. This sophisticated hiding technique demonstrates the lengths criminal networks go to in their pursuit of circulating dangerous drugs like cocaine.
The discovery came as a result of a joint investigation conducted by the National Crime Agency (NCA), the Metropolitan Police, and Border Force. The operation involved a team of specialist divers from the Metropolitan Police, who carried out an underwater search of the ship’s hull under challenging visibility conditions. With the assistance of officers from the Border Force National Deep Rummage Team and port operator Peel Ports, the divers managed to recover the hidden drugs that were concealed behind bolted-up grills. The entire operation took approximately five hours to complete.
David Phillips, the operations manager at the NCA, commended the collaboration between law enforcement agencies and highlighted the significant threat posed by organised criminal groups involved in the drug trade. He emphasized the importance of working together to tackle these networks head-on and prevent the supply of harmful drugs into communities.
This seizure is one of only two instances where underwater concealments of class A drugs of this kind have been discovered in the UK. Another operation in Bristol in November 2021 resulted in the recovery of 46 kilos (101.4 pounds) of cocaine. The successful outcome of these operations showcases the commitment and dedication of law enforcement agencies in intercepting drug supply chains and preventing illegal substances from reaching their intended destinations.
The NCA is currently collaborating with law enforcement authorities in the Netherlands and Panama regarding this specific seizure. Stephen Whitton, deputy director of Border Force Maritime Command, highlighted the significance of their joint efforts in halting the illegal drug trade. He emphasized the continuous dedication of Border Force in intercepting drug supply chains and their commitment to working closely with counterparts worldwide to identify and prevent the evolving techniques employed by criminals.
This seizure serves as a significant blow to criminal networks involved in drug trafficking and sends a strong message that the authorities are determined to combat their activities. By preventing such a substantial quantity of cocaine from reaching the streets, law enforcement agencies have effectively disrupted the operations of these gangs, thwarting their violence and exploitation within communities.
