Dutch Authorities Seize Over 700 kg of Cocaine at Rotterdam

In a string of drug busts over the past week, Dutch authorities have seized more than 700 kilograms of cocaine at the Port of Rotterdam. These discoveries were made during routine inspections by customs officials and have led to the confiscation of the illicit substances.

On August 14, the Netherlands' Public Prosecution Service reported that customs officers found 514 kilograms of cocaine hidden within a container of avocados. The container, which had traveled from Peru via Panama, was destined for a company in De Lier. Authorities believe the company was not involved in the smuggling operation.

In a separate incident, 100 kilograms of cocaine were discovered in another avocado container, also arriving at Rotterdam through the same route. This container was intended for a company in Ridderkerk, which is also not believed to be connected to drug trafficking.

The following day, on August 15, another 39 kilograms of cocaine were uncovered by customs during a routine check at the port. This time, the drugs were hidden in a refrigerated container.

On August 16, customs officers seized an additional 60 kilograms of cocaine from a container filled with bananas. This container had arrived from Costa Rica and was bound for a company in Zeeland, which authorities suspect was used as a front and not directly involved in the smuggling.

In total, 714 kilograms of cocaine with an estimated street value of around $59 million were confiscated. The seized drugs have been destroyed, and investigations into the smuggling operations are ongoing.