Authorities Discover Over $48M Worth of Illicit Substances Hidden Amongst Fruit and Vegetable Shipments
UNITED KINGDOM - Efforts to conceal illegal substances using fresh produce have once again been thwarted. Police in the United Kingdom uncovered a massive amount of cocaine, heroin, and cannabis hidden within shipments of fresh fruit and vegetables.
Overall, 992 lbs (450 kilos) of heroin and cocaine and over 4,409 lbs (2 tonnes) of cannabis were found, amounting to more than $48.4 million (£39.5 million). According to Manchester Evening News, six different loads containing drugs were intercepted by authorities, but the group responsible for these heists has committed over 200 more.
The news source also noted that the shipments were made under the guise of fake import business names. These names included Pot Fresh, Blackpool Fruit and Veg, and Europroduce.
Officials promptly identified and seized the substances, and there are 11 individuals currently on trial for the crime.
Once again, we thank the hardworking officials who continue to protect fresh produce from acts like these. For more of the latest news, you know where to find us.