Three people arrested after record-breaking £139m cannabis seizure
It's the largest cannabis seizure ever recorded in the UK
Last updated 8 hours ago
An international investigation into the importation of millions of pounds’ worth of cannabis from Canada to the UK has resulted in the arrest of two men and one woman from South Wales.
The arrests, which took place on Sunday 16 June, were part of a major operation led by the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit (SWROCU).
Largest Cannabis Seizure in UK History
The investigation began after the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) intercepted a shipment of cannabis destined for the UK. Working closely with UK authorities, investigators identified two containers suspected of holding significant quantities of cannabis as they were in transit to Southampton Port.
On 6 May, Border Force officers intercepted and searched the containers, discovering approximately 12 tonnes of cannabis hidden in 1,200 boxes.
The haul has an estimated street value of £139 million, making it the largest cannabis seizure ever recorded in the UK.
South Wales Arrests
Following the seizure, officers executed warrants at addresses in Merthyr Tydfil, Ebbw Vale, and Abertillery. Supported by South Wales Police and Gwent Police, SWROCU arrested three suspects, all aged in their 30s and 40s, on suspicion of facilitating the importations.
The individuals are currently being held in police custody as enquiries continue.
Police and Government Reaction
Acting Inspector Stuart Cumine from SWROCU said:
“This was clearly a significant seizure, which has not only taken a huge amount of drugs out of circulation, but has deprived the criminal gangs organising the importations of enormous profits totalling millions of pounds. While cannabis can commonly be perceived as a low-level threat, people need to understand that the criminals importing and supplying it are using the substantial profits to fund other criminality. Operations like this, working with partners on a national and international level, disrupt these criminal networks, deprive them of funds, and protect communities across the UK from the harm that drug supply and other organised criminality causes.”
Minister for Migration and Citizenship, Mike Tapp, praised Border Force officers, saying:
“Congratulations to our brilliant Border Force officers for this record-breaking haul. We will not allow criminal gangs to profit from misery and peddle their vile trade. More than ever before, we are working with policing and international partners to secure our borders and keep our streets safe.”
Phil Douglas, Border Force Director General, added:
“This biggest cannabis seizure ever shows Border Force’s relentless action to stop drugs reaching UK streets and destroying lives. My thanks to our officers, the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit, and the Canada Border Services Agency for their dedication, collaboration, and professionalism.”
Erin O’Gorman, President of the Canada Border Services Agency, said:
“These seizures reflect the strength of the combined operational focus and intelligence-sharing efforts between Canadian federal law enforcement and our UK Border Force partners. It is the result of a highly coordinated, intelligence-led approach to disrupting transnational organized crime. The movement of illegal cannabis fuels organized crime networks, and this seizure underscores our collective commitment to combat these criminal activities and keep our borders strong and secure."
The investigation remains ongoing as officers continue to examine the full extent of the operation and question those arrested.