Netherlands seizes 3 tonnes of cocaine hidden in banana puree containers
The seized drugs on display. Photo: Openbaar Ministerie Rotterdam
Netherlands’ customs seized 3 tonnes of cocaine hidden in the containers of banana puree at the Rotterdam port, the Public Prosecution said.
Drugs seized were estimated at about €255 million, and were seized during a routine inspection of a container coming from Ecuador and going to Basel in Switzerland.
The statement of the Public Prosecution indicated that the amount of cocaine seized is considered one of the largest seized at the Rotterdam port, pointing out that the drugs had been destroyed.
The Netherlands became a major entry point for smuggled drugs to Europe, especially cocaine, through Rotterdam port where this year, about 50 tonnes of smuggled cocaine sent to the Netherlands were seized.
Europol's April report warned of drugs flooding in the continental.
The amount of cocaine has created millions of dollars in profits for criminal gangs in Europe and South America.
Europol says that cocaine trafficking provides food for groups that use its huge resources to infiltrate and disrupt the EU economy, government institutions and society.
