The Dutch authorities have conducted the largest seizure of cocaine in the nation’s history, confiscating more than eight tonnes of the illicit substance.
The drugs were found on a container ship originating from Ecuador. This significant operation was carried out by the prosecutors.
According to authorities, the drugs, which were estimated to be worth 600 million euros ($661 million), were disguised within a container transporting bananas that had been transported to Rotterdam from Panama.
“On July 13, customs carried out the largest ever drug seizure in the port of Rotterdam,” the prosecutors said in a statement.
“A total of 8,064 one-kilo packets of cocaine were extracted from twelve pallets of bananas,” the statement added.
The seizure had not been announced previously while investigations continued. The impounded drugs have now been destroyed, according to prosecutors.
“Once again we have succeeded… in dealing a serious blow to the port’s drug traffickers,” Rotterdam Customs Director Peter van Buijtenen said, calling the seizure “enormous”.
