Fact Check: "UK authorities seize 2.4 tons of cocaine, worth £96 million."
What We Know
On June 28, 2025, British authorities announced the seizure of 2.4 metric tons of cocaine from a ship arriving at the London Gateway port from Panama. The cocaine has an estimated street value of £96 million (approximately $132 million) and is reported to be one of the largest drug busts in recent UK history, specifically noted as the sixth-largest cocaine seizure on record in the country (AP News, BBC, Al Jazeera). The operation was described as intelligence-led, with Border Force officers moving 37 large containers to locate the hidden drugs (BBC, DW).
Analysis
The claim that UK authorities seized 2.4 tons of cocaine worth £96 million is supported by multiple credible sources. The Associated Press, BBC, and Al Jazeera all reported the same figures regarding the weight and value of the cocaine seized (AP News, BBC, Al Jazeera). These reports come from established news organizations known for their journalistic integrity, which adds to the reliability of the information.
The operation was characterized as a significant blow to organized crime, with officials emphasizing the importance of intelligence and international cooperation in combating drug trafficking (AP News, BBC). The UK's Home Office confirmed the details of the seizure, further validating the information presented in the news reports (BBC, DW).
Moreover, the context provided by the National Crime Agency about the rise in cocaine-related deaths in England and Wales adds depth to the significance of this seizure, illustrating the ongoing challenges faced by UK authorities in tackling drug-related issues (AP News, Al Jazeera).
Conclusion
The claim that UK authorities seized 2.4 tons of cocaine worth £96 million is True. The information is corroborated by multiple reliable news sources, and the details have been officially confirmed by the UK Home Office. The operation represents a significant achievement in the fight against drug trafficking and underscores the ongoing challenges posed by organized crime in the UK.
