A massive consignment of cocaine weighing 960kg was found off-shore Sussex coast in the United Kingdom on Monday and the National Crime Agency (NCA) estimates that the two huge consignments have a street value of 80 million pounds (Rs 820 crores). The drugs have been classified under Class A.
The consignment washed up on shores in two batches, as reported by the Sussex Police.According to reports the packages were all in waterproof bags and attached to life jackets to make them float.
The packages were first reported to be floating in the water off Hastings shortly in the early hours on Monday.Several hours later, another shipment washed up the shore of New Haven, 30kms away from the previous location, and was spotted by a few passersby. The police were immediately informed and the package was secured safely.
Martin Grace, NCA branch commander, said: “This is a significant amount of Class A drugs which we think originated in South America, but we are keeping an open mind about how the drugs washed up here and where the end destination might have been.
According to the various theories proposed by the NCA, the drug allegedly originates from South America and was bound for the UK market. The discovery of the two consignments at such close intervals could indicate that the shipment was thrown into the sea by one gang, that expected it to be collected by other dealers. However, the opponents must have ditched it fearing interception by the Border Force.
“Clearly though, losing a consignment of this size will represent a significant hit to the criminal networks involved.We are keeping an open mind about how the drugs washed up here. Losing a consignment of this size will represent a significant hit to criminal networks involved.”Said Martin Grace.
He said the two seizures were being linked and a Sussex Police and Border Force investigation was now under way.
The packages were first reported to be floating in the water off Hastings shortly before 06:00 BST on Monday
