Border Force officers have executed a record-breaking drugs bust, seizing nearly 12 tonnes of cannabis valued at an estimated £139 million, the Home Office has confirmed. The massive haul, consisting of around 1,200 boxes packed into two shipping containers, was discovered at Southampton Port after arriving from Canada.
Operation Details
Intelligence teams collaborated closely with Canadian authorities and UK law enforcement to track the containers across the Atlantic. The interception occurred on May 6, surpassing the previous record for cannabis seizure by a full four tonnes and dealing a significant blow to organised crime networks behind the operation.
Arrests Made
Three individuals have been arrested in connection with the raid. The Home Office stated that the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit detained the suspects on Tuesday, June 16, on suspicion of facilitating drug importations.
Government Response
Migration Minister Mike Tapp praised the operation, saying: "Congratulations to our brilliant Border Force officers for this record-breaking haul. We will not allow criminal gangs to profit from misery and peddle their vile trade. More than ever before, we are working with policing and international partners to secure our borders and keep our streets safe."
