World News | UK Authorities Seize Cocaine Worth over $130 Million from Ship at London Port

London, Jun 28 (AP) British authorities seized 2.4 metric tons of cocaine in a ship arriving in England from Panama, authorities said Saturday, calling it one of the UK's biggest drug busts in years.

The drugs, valued at 96 million pounds ($132 million), were found under containers on a vessel at London Gateway port, east of the British capital. The shipment was discovered after what officials said was an intelligence-led operation.

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Britain's interior ministry, the Home Office, said it was the sixth-largest cocaine seizure on record.

UK Border Force Maritime director Charlie Eastaugh said the seizure was “just one example of how dedicated Border Force maritime officers remain one step ahead of the criminal gangs who threaten our security.

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“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.”

Britain is one of Europe's biggest markets for cocaine, according to the National Crime Agency. The UK government says cocaine-related deaths in England and Wales rose by 31% between 2022 and 2023. (AP)

(The above story is verified and authored by Press Trust of India (PTI) staff. PTI, India’s premier news agency, employs more than 400 journalists and 500 stringers to cover almost every district and small town in India.. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)