Customs officials seize over 48kg of cocaine coming from Ecuador

Following Tuesday's five-tonne cannabis bust, the second largest drug haul ever, today, the Department of Customs registered another success with a 48kg cocaine seizure.

The approximate street value is calculated to be 5 million euros, the Customs officials said in a statement.

A refrigerated container coming from Ecuador and destined to Greece was selected for scanning following risk analysis carried out by the Department's Container Monitoring Unit.
 
Following a scan using the new Nuctech scanner, several packets containing a white substance were located, and consequently discovered hidden, behind a panel above the refrigerant compressor. A total of 40 individual packets weighing a total of 48kg were elevated. The substance was tested and preliminary results point to a positive indication for cocaine.
 
The case was handed over to the Police Anti Drug Squad for further investigations, while duty Magistrate, Dr Caroline Farrugia Frendo,  is leading a Magisterial inquiry.