**UK: Over 2 Tons of Cocaine Seized at London Port**

**UK: Over 2 Tons of Cocaine Seized at London Port**

In a historic operation, British authorities have seized 2.4 metric tons of cocaine, marking one of the largest cocaine busts in the UK's history. The illicit cargo was discovered on a ship that had arrived in London from Panama. ![Shipping containers at London Gateway Port]

*Shipping containers being processed at London Gateway port, located in Stanford-le-Hope on the Thames estuary east of London, England. Criminal organizations typically use container ships to transport cocaine into the UK. Image: AP/picture alliance* On Saturday, it was announced that the seizure occurred at London Gateway port, with an estimated value of £96 million (€112 million or $132 million). According to the UK Home Office, this bust ranks as the sixth-largest cocaine seizure on record. Details of the Seizure: The substantial amount of cocaine was concealed beneath numerous shipping containers on the vessel arriving from Panama. Early this month, specialized officers detected the shipment, and with the assistance of the port operator, they shifted 37 large containers to uncover the hidden drugs.

Charlie Eastaugh, director of the UK Border Force Maritime, remarked that this seizure demonstrates the commitment of Border Force officers to staying ahead of the criminal gangs that threaten national security.