Arrests Made After £80 Million Cocaine Seizure Hidden Under Shea Butter

Four men apprehended following the discovery of a substantial cocaine shipment in a cargo container.

Four men have been arrested in connection with the discovery of 847.50 kilograms of cocaine, with a street value estimated at £80 million, hidden beneath a load of shea butter in a shipping container.

The National Crime Agency (NCA) confirmed that the arrests took place at a location in Merrington, Shropshire, on Wednesday.

The suspects, aged in their 30s, 40s, and 60s, were taken into custody following the drug recovery.

The cocaine was discovered by Border Force officers on December 23, 2022, during a routine inspection of cargo at Tilbury Docks in Essex.

Upon examination, authorities found a shipment labeled as shea butter, which concealed blocks of cocaine.

The blocks were reportedly stamped on both ends with distinctive symbols, including the logo of the designer brand Polo Ralph Lauren and the Star of David.

In addition to the four men arrested, a woman in her 40s was taken into custody on suspicion of money laundering.

She has since been released while investigations continue.

Operations manager David Phillips from the NCA stated, 'The NCA works tirelessly with partners at home and abroad to protect the public from the threat of class A drugs which cause devastation to communities across the UK.' He further characterized the drug seizure as 'very significant' and noted that it would result in substantial financial losses for the organized crime group responsible for the importation.

The NCA continues its investigation in collaboration with multiple agencies to dismantle drug trafficking networks and mitigate the impact of illicit substances on society.