Police have cracked a drug smuggling ring that hid £10 million worth of cocaine in banana boxes.
Two shipments of banana boxes were seized as they arrived at Portsmouth International Port from the Dominican Republic on Saturday January 20 and Friday January 26.
UK Border Force officers searched the shipments and discovered the drugs hidden within the cardboard packaging.
Metropolitan Police Specialist Crime officers continued the investigation and raided an address in Acton, west London, where they arrested three men.
Detective Chief Inspector Lewis Sanderson, whose team is leading the investigation, said: “Officers continue to crack down on the crimes that impact Londoners the most. We know drugs blight communities by contributing to anti-social behaviour, violence and cause devastating addiction issues.
"The Met will continue to target those who illegally import drugs to London.
“Working closely with UK Border Force has been integral in acting so quickly and arresting those suspected of these offences.
“I have no doubt these drugs were intended to be sold across London and beyond. By working together we can dismantle large-scale drug networks who profiteer from vulnerable people and cause misery.”
Three men aged 31, 34 and 37 were all arrested on suspicion of importation of cocaine.
