The Border Force recently confiscated a total of 12 tonnes of cannabis valued at approximately £139 million, marking the agency’s largest seizure of the drug to date. The cannabis, packed in 1,200 boxes, was discovered inside two shipping containers at Southampton Port following their arrival from Canada, according to the Home Office.
Collaborating with Canadian authorities and UK law enforcement, Home Office intelligence analysts successfully pinpointed the containers en route to Southampton. The interception of the delivery occurred on May 6, resulting in the seizure of the largest amount of cannabis ever by the Border Force, surpassing the previous record set in 2017 by four tonnes.
Migration minister Mike Tapp commended the Border Force officers for their outstanding work, emphasizing the government’s commitment to preventing criminal organizations from profiting from illegal activities. Tapp highlighted the increased collaboration with domestic and international partners to enhance border security and ensure public safety.
In response to the seizure, the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit apprehended three individuals on Tuesday suspected of facilitating the importation of illicit goods.