Customs authorities discovered the find during a routine inspection at the port of Vlissingen.
The drugs were hidden in a pallet of bananas on a ship arriving from Ecuador. The cocaine seized was subsequently destroyed.
NL Times writes that in 2024 in Vlissingen, customs seized approximately 9.6 thousand kg of cocaine, and last year – more than 7 thousand kg. Similar incidents were also recorded in Rotterdam and Schipgol airport.
Authorities say smugglers are changing routes and transportation methods due to increased checks at major ports, and seizures are becoming smaller to reduce risks.
The majority of cocaine seized in 2025 came from Latin America, primarily Ecuador and Brazil. Customs has increased cooperation with these countries, and much of the drugs destined for the European market are now intercepted in transit along the West African coast.
