Three individuals from South Wales have been arrested in connection with the largest cannabis seizure in UK history, which took place at Southampton docks. The cannabis, with an estimated street value of £139 million, was intercepted after Canadian authorities flagged a suspicious shipment destined for the UK.
Details of the Seizure
Border Force officers discovered approximately 12 tonnes of cannabis hidden inside two shipping containers on May 6. The drugs were packed in around 1,200 cardboard boxes containing vacuum-sealed bags. The cargo had been identified by the Canada Border Services Agency, which alerted UK law enforcement.
Arrests in South Wales
Following an investigation led by the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit (SWROCU), warrants were executed at properties in Merthyr Tydfil, Ebbw Vale, and Abertillery. A man and a woman in their 30s and a man in his 40s were arrested on suspicion of facilitating the importation of cannabis. They remain in police custody.
Impact on Criminal Networks
Acting Inspector Stuart Cumine of SWROCU emphasized the significance of the seizure: "This was clearly a significant seizure, which has not only taken a huge amount of drugs out of circulation but has deprived criminal gangs of enormous profits. The criminals importing cannabis use these profits to fund other criminality." He added that operations like this disrupt networks and protect communities.
International Cooperation
Border Force Director General Phil Douglas praised the collaboration: "This biggest cannabis seizure ever shows Border Force’s relentless action to stop drugs reaching UK streets. My thanks to our officers, SWROCU, and the Canada Border Services Agency." Erin O’Gorman, President of the Canada Border Services Agency, highlighted the strength of intelligence-sharing between Canadian and UK authorities.
