The National Crime Agency (NCA) reported that Border Force officers discovered 2.9 tonnes of the drug at London Gateway Port in Essex on Thursday (August 6). Nine men were arrested in connection with the seizure and have since been released on bail. The seizure follows other major cocaine interceptions by UK authorities in recent years. In February 2024, the NCA and Border Force carried out what is believed to be the largest class A drugs seizure in UK history, uncovering almost six tonnes of cocaine hidden among bananas from South America at Southampton Port. The Home Office later revealed that more than £1 billion worth of cocaine was intercepted during a 'record-breaking' summer in 2025, with Border Force officers seizing 15.6 tonnes of the drug between June and August.