Fact Check: "This is the sixth-largest cocaine seizure in UK history!"
What We Know
On June 28, 2025, British authorities announced the seizure of 2.4 metric tons of cocaine, valued at approximately £96 million ($132 million), from a ship arriving at London Gateway port from Panama. This operation was described as one of the largest drug busts in recent years and was conducted based on intelligence-led efforts by the U.K. Border Force. The Home Office confirmed that this seizure is indeed the sixth-largest cocaine seizure on record in the United Kingdom (Washington Post, Al Jazeera, DW, Sky News).
Analysis
The claim that this seizure is the sixth-largest in UK history is supported by multiple credible sources, including the U.K. Home Office, which is the government department responsible for immigration, security, and law and order. The consistency of this information across various reputable news outlets, such as the Washington Post, Al Jazeera, and DW, adds to the reliability of the claim.
The U.K. Border Force Maritime director, Charlie Eastaugh, emphasized the significance of this seizure in the ongoing battle against drug trafficking, further validating the importance of this event in the context of law enforcement efforts in the UK. The claim is corroborated by the Home Office's official statement, which categorically states the seizure's rank among historical cocaine busts in the UK.
Conclusion
The claim that "this is the sixth-largest cocaine seizure in UK history" is True. The evidence from multiple reliable sources confirms that the seizure of 2.4 metric tons of cocaine is indeed ranked as the sixth-largest in the UK's recorded history, as stated by the Home Office and reported by various news outlets.
Sources
- UK authorities seize cocaine worth more than $130 million ... (https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/06/28/cocaine-seized-london-port-container-panama/f39051ce-541f-11f0-baaa-ba1025f321a8_story.html)
- UK authorities seize more than two tonnes of cocaine in 'one ... (https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/6/28/uk-authorities-seize-over-2-tonnes-of-cocaine-in-one-of-largest-busts#:~:text=UK's%20Home%20Office%20confirmed%20that,to%20get%20at%20the%20stash.)
- UK: Over 2 tons of cocaine seized at London port (https://www.dw.com/en/uk-over-2-tons-of-cocaine-seized-at-london-port/a-73079300)
- Cocaine haul worth nearly £100m seized in one of UK's ... (https://news.sky.com/story/cocaine-haul-worth-nearly-100m-seized-in-one-of-uks-biggest-ever-drugs-busts-13389647)
