Masses of cocaine have been seized by the authorities after packages were spotted drifting in the English Channel.
Hundreds of huge parcels wrapped in plastic were swept up by officials after Border Force and RNLI crews were deployed off the Kent coast.
The monumental haul weighed an estimated one tonne and is worth around £100,000,000.
Forensic tests confirmed the substance was cocaine after the packages were brought back to shore in Dover early on Wednesday morning.
An investigation has been launched by the Home Office following the discovery.
The Home Office tweeted: ‘This vital work will continue to stop illegal substances reaching our shores and devastating our communities.’
New data released by the government yesterday showed record amounts of cocaine and ketamine have been seized by Border Force and police forces between March 2021 and March 2022.
Just this week, a cross-border drugs gang involved in a Breaking Bad-style speed lab worth £1million were jailed.
Immigration minister Robert Jenrick said: ‘We will continue to back Border Force and the police to use every available power to stop dangerous drugs from coming into our country and enforce the law.
‘Data released, which includes a record amount of cocaine and ketamine seized, shows the effectiveness of our approach as we continue to go after the criminals who blight so many communities and destroy lives with these harmful substances.’
The quantity of cocaine seized by Border Force and police officers in England and Wales increased by 68% to 18,767kg, while the quantity of ketamine confiscated shot up by 884% to 1,837kg.
The Home Office said Border Force, police forces, the National Crime Agency and international partners use intelligence and technology to keep the borders safe, prevent drug trafficking and bring those responsible to justice.
Steve Dann, Border Force chief operating officer said: ‘These seizures send a clear message to anyone prepared to smuggle illegal drugs into the country that we remain committed to tackle often violent and exploitative drug supply chains.
‘Border Force officers involved in these seizures can be proud of their work in stopping these dangerous drugs from entering our communities.’
