Netherlands customs agents made a groundbreaking seizure in Rotterdam’s port, discovering 17,600 pounds of cocaine hidden inside crates of bananas. This is the largest haul ever collected in the port. The authorities found the cocaine with the help of dogs who sniffed it out in 12 pallets of bananas. After confirming the presence of drugs, they were able to remove the cocaine from the pallets. However, the information was not immediately released to the public due to an ongoing investigation into the shipment.
The drugs were shipped from Ecuador through Panama to Rotterdam and are estimated to be worth approximately $660 million, according to the public prosecutor’s office in Rotterdam.
Rotterdam is known as the largest port in Europe, with more than 220 million tons processed through its terminals in the first six months of 2023. Unfortunately, in recent years, the port has faced challenges with organized crime smuggling cocaine and drugs through massive shipments.
Statistics analyzed by the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction reveal that since 2017, record amounts of cocaine have been seized in European ports, especially in Dutch, Belgian, and Spanish ports. These countries account for over 70% of cocaine seizures in Europe, and corruption, particularly in maritime routes, has been identified as a significant threat.
In an effort to combat smuggling, Rotterdam and Antwerp seaports, along with five multinational shipping companies, have announced the implementation of smart containers with alarm capabilities and enhanced employee screening. Additionally, the two countries will exchange information and develop international security standards.
Netherlands Benefits and Customs State Secretary Aukje De Vries stated that the record seizures in Rotterdam and Antwerp’s harbors demonstrate the magnitude of the drug smuggling issue in both countries. He emphasized the close collaboration between the two countries to obtain and study radiographic images from Latin America.
In 2022, the Netherlands allocated over $30 million to fight drug trafficking. The funding will be used to hire customs officers who will work alongside officers in transit countries, mainly in Latin America. Dutch customs officers will analyze container scans to identify drug sources.
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