Walkers strolling on a beach near Hastings came across large bundles – which were found to conceal a ton of cocaine.
The wrappers, all in waterproof bags and attached to life jackets to make them float, had a combined weight of around 960kg, which, if cut and sold on the streets in the UK, would have had a estimated market value of £ 80million.
Two separate piles of bags were found, some floating in the water off St Leonards in East Sussex.
Samples taken from the load tested positive for cocaine, although a full forensic examination is now being carried out.
National Crime Agency agents have now opened an investigation.
Martin Grace, NCA branch commander, called the transport “significant.”
“We believe he is from South America, but we keep an open mind about how the drugs ended up here and where the final destination could have been,” he said.
“It is clear, however, that the loss of a shipment of this size will be a blow to the criminal networks involved.
“Our investigation is being assisted by both Sussex Police and border forces, and will likely involve international partners as well.”
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Source: news.sky.com
This notice was published: 2021-05-25 18:07:00
