A major drugs seizure at an Essex port has uncovered cocaine worth an estimated £80 million, according to a report from Sky News.
Border Force officers intercepted the shipment at London Gateway Port, where approximately one tonne of cocaine was discovered concealed within a shipping container. The National Crime Agency (NCA) confirmed it has launched an investigation following the find, which took place on Friday.
The drugs were hidden inside holdalls and shrink-wrapped packages, transported alongside a “cover load” of ceramics and kitchenware originating from Panama. Authorities believe the UK was not the intended final destination for the shipment, with the vessel reportedly bound for Norway.
NCA Senior Investigating Officer Paul Orchard praised the operation, stating: “This was a fantastic seizure by our colleagues at Border Force, and taking this amount of cocaine out of circulation will have deprived the organised criminals involved of millions in profits.”
The seizure comes amid a wider rise in drug interceptions across the UK. Police recorded a total of 23,706 cocaine seizures in the year ending March 2025, marking a 13% increase compared to the previous year. Meanwhile, Border Force and police combined intercepted drugs on a record 269,000 occasions, up 24% year-on-year.
This latest discovery follows another significant operation at Southampton Docks, where 943kg of cocaine, valued at approximately £75 million, was seized from a shipping container.
Authorities continue to investigate the origins and intended recipients of the Essex shipment as part of ongoing efforts to disrupt international drug trafficking networks.
Stay Ahead in the Housewares Industry
Never miss a beat in the world of housewares. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter for the latest industry news, insights, and trends—delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, get six issues a year of our expertly curated magazine, published at key points to keep you informed and inspired.
Subscribe now: https://housewareslive.net/registration/
