Customs intercepted 88 kilos of cocaine last weekend during a check on a large container ship. The narcotics were found behind the inspection hatches of two refrigerated containers.
A batch of 45 kilos of cocaine was found in a container with meat from Uruguay, destined for Antwerp. The other 43 kilos were found in a container with meat from Argentina, also destined for Antwerp.
Hiding cocaine in inspection hatches has been happening regularly in recent years. The drugs can be quickly removed by handlers at the container terminal. By conducting many inspections aimed at this method, Customs tries to seize as many drugs as possible.
HARC team
The HARC team, a collaboration of Customs, FIOD, Port Police, and the Public Prosecution Service in Rotterdam, is further investigating the case. All drugs have since been destroyed.