On Friday, June 13, 2025, Customs intercepted approximately 4,500 kilograms of cocaine in the port of Amsterdam. The drugs were professionally hidden among a shipment of wood from West Africa.
The container in question arrived by cargo ship from West Africa on Thursday, June 12, and was unloaded in the port of Amsterdam. Based on a risk analysis, the container was selected for further inspection.
During this inspection, carried out with the help of sniffer dogs, scanning equipment, and customs officers, the narcotics were discovered. The cocaine has been seized and will be destroyed.
The HARC-NZKG (North Sea Canal Area), a collaboration between Customs, FIOD, and Police under the direction of the Public Prosecution Service in Amsterdam, is investigating the case.
The HARC team works daily to combat the import of narcotics through Dutch ports.