Record Three Tons of Cocaine Seized from North Sea Tug

More than three tons of cocaine has been discovered aboard an ocean going tug intercepted by UK forces within the North Sea final week, in accordance with an replace from the UK National Crime Agency (NCA).

The seizure is believed to be largest single seizure of unlawful medication in UK historical past, value an estimated half a billion kilos, the NCA stated.

Working on intelligence equipped by the NCA, the tug, recognized because the MV Hamal, was intercepted by the Royal Navy frigate HMS Somerset and Border Force cutter Valiant about 100 miles east of Aberdeen on Thursday, April 23..

The vessel was then taken to Aberdeen harbour the place in depth search of vessel uncovered the large haul.

The NCA stated that the cocaine discovered has an estimated complete weight in extra of three tons which, if lower and bought within the UK, would have a possible avenue worth £500 million.

“The search of this vessel has been lengthy and painstaking, undertaken by hugely skilled specialists working in difficult conditions,” stated John McGowan, a Scotland-based senior investigating officer for the NCA. “The result is this massive discovery – believed to be the biggest single class A drug seizure on record in the UK, and likely to be worth several hundred million pounds,” McGowan added.

The nine-man crew of the Tanzania-flagged Hamal, all Turkish nationals aged between 26 and 63, have been charged with drug trafficking offenses. They appeared earlier than Aberdeen Sheriff Court on Monday 27 April the place they had been remanded in custody till their subsequent look on May fifth.

“Our investigation continues, but the operation was only possible thanks to the close co-operation between the NCA, Border Force, the Royal Navy, plus the French DNRED and our other international partners. The extensive operation in Aberdeen was given substantial support from Police Scotland,” McGowen stated.