HM Customs Gibraltar has successfully seized a total of 428 kilograms of cocaine during two separate maritime operations conducted within British Gibraltar Territorial Waters in recent months in what represents a significant blow against international organised crime networks.

The operations involved two bulk carriers, M/V Amaris and M/V Chao Tian Men, both of which had entered British Gibraltar Territorial Waters to take on bunkers. In both cases, the vessels had engaged local diving companies to conduct routine hull cleaning and underwater inspections. During inspections of the vessels, abnormalities were identified in the sea chest areas. Recognising the suspicious nature of the findings, the diving companies immediately alerted HM Customs.

HM Customs, assisted by specialist divers, recovered the concealed packages from the vessels. The combined weight of the drugs seized across both operations totalled approximately 428 kilograms, with an estimated street value of £25 million.

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