UK records largest cannabis seizure at Southampton docks

British Border Force intercepted a shipment of 12 tonnes of cannabis—valued at around £139 million—at Southampton docks on May 6, after intelligence from Canada identified the cargo. The haul, packed in 1,200 boxes across two containers, shattered the previous UK record by four tonnes.

Three suspects from South Wales were arrested on June 16 on suspicion of facilitating the importation. Police from South Wales, Gwent and the South‑West Regional Organised Crime Unit executed warrants in Merthyr Tydfil, Ebbw Vale and Abertillery. Migration Minister Mike Tapp praised the operation, and Border Force director Phil Douglas highlighted its impact on criminal gangs.

Canadian officials, including Canada Border Services Agency president Erin O’Gorman, collaborated with UK authorities, underscoring the strength of international intelligence‑sharing in combating organised crime.