Dutch authorities made a record-breaking drug haul seizure in Rotterdam, uncovering approximately 8,000 kilograms (8 tons) of cocaine, as announced by prosecutors on August 10. The estimated value of the seized cocaine is around €600 mn ($661 mn), marking a significant blow to drug traffickers. The discovery was concealed in a container alongside bananas on a ship originating from Ecuador. The enormous scale of the seizure highlights the ongoing challenges in combating drug trafficking through major ports like Rotterdam, DW reported.
This seizure surpasses previous records set at the port, with the last largest haul being a 4,500-kilogram discovery in 2020. Additionally, a significant seizure of 3,600 kilograms of cocaine was made in 2021. The recent discovery, made in July, was disclosed publicly on August 10. The cocaine, packed into over 8,000 one-kilo packets, was concealed within twelve pallets of bananas.
The Rotterdam Customs Director, Peter van Buijtenen, highlighted the successful disruption of drug traffickers' operations, stating,
"Once again we have succeeded... in dealing a serious blow to the port's drug traffickers."
Rotterdam is a major hub for drug trafficking, particularly for bringing cocaine into Europe. Despite the rarity of such large seizures, investigators assert that smaller hauls have become more common recently.
The port of Rotterdam has been a focal point in drug interception efforts
In 2022, law enforcement seized approximately 47,000 kilograms of narcotics within its precincts. However, investigators estimate that only 50-60% of smuggled drugs are discovered. Notably, in the first half of 2023, Dutch customs reported seizing approximately 29,702 kilograms of drugs, exceeding the figures from the same period in the previous year.
The Netherlands, Belgium, and Spain rank as the top three European countries for illegal cocaine imports. The drug primarily originates from countries such as Panama, Colombia, and Ecuador. This significant seizure highlights the ongoing challenges and complexities in tackling drug trafficking operations that exploit major ports, reflecting the broader global struggle against the illegal drug trade.
This announcement comes shortly after the tragic death of Fernando Villavicencio, a prominent presidential candidate in Ecuador. Villavicencio, who was vocal against drug trafficking, was shot and killed at a campaign rally, shedding light on the dangers posed by criminal organisations involved in the illicit drug trade.
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