The Border Force has confiscated a total of 12 tonnes of cannabis valued at approximately £139 million, marking the largest seizure of the drug by the agency to date.
Authorities discovered about 1,200 boxes of cannabis tightly packed inside two shipping containers at Southampton Port, which had recently arrived from Canada, as confirmed by the Home Office.
Through collaborative efforts between Home Office intelligence analysts, Canadian officials, and UK law enforcement, the two containers en route to Southampton were identified.
On May 6, the intercepted delivery led to the seizure of the drugs, setting a new record for the Border Force with a cannabis haul four tonnes larger than the previous highest seizure in 2017.
Migration minister Mike Tapp commended the Border Force officers for their exceptional work, emphasizing the government’s commitment to preventing criminal organizations from profiting from illegal activities.
The Home Office reported that the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit apprehended three individuals suspected of involvement in facilitating the importation of the seized drugs.
