Peruvian authorities report that more than 3,407 kilograms of cocaine were intercepted this week in the northwestern region of Piura. According to the interior ministry, the drugs were intended to be concealed in export banana boxes and shipped to Belgium. The seizure occurred on Wednesday during an anti-drug operation that targeted the shipment before it reached the port of Paita.
© Peruvian police
Police stopped a truck transporting over 3,000 packages of cocaine. The interior ministry valued the cargo at more than US$68 million. The vehicle was travelling toward a warehouse located about 100 kilometres from Paita, where bananas for export were being prepared. The Peruvian presidency stated that the drugs belonged to a criminal organisation involving Peruvian, Colombian, and European nationals that planned to send the consignment to Belgium.
Belgium's port of Antwerp is described as one of Europe's main entry points for cocaine. Over the past decade, EU cocaine seizures have increased sixfold. According to EU data, drugs cause around 7,500 deaths each year, and criminal violence has increased alongside rising trafficking volumes.
EU officials referenced growing concerns about illicit drug flows. "Europe has reached a crisis point when it comes to illicit drugs," EU Home Affairs commissioner Magnus Brunner said while presenting the European Commission's new strategy to counter trafficking. "Europe is striking back." The plan includes a rapid alert system coordinated by the European Drugs Agency, reinforced prevention initiatives, enhanced cooperation between police and customs, and expanded partnerships with the private sector to strengthen port security, including in Antwerp.
Source: Belga News Agency
