The cannabis discovered in the docks is worth up to £139m on the streets
18:23, 16 Jun 2026Updated 19:16, 16 Jun 2026
The shipping containers were found to contain some 1,200 carboard boxes containing vacuum-packed bags of cannabis(Image: SWROCU)
Three people from South Wales have been arrested after the biggest seizure of cannabis in UK history was made at Southampton docks. The cargo was intercepted after the Canada Border Services Agency identified a shipment of cannabis destined for the UK and alerted law enforcement in Britain.
Investigators identified two shipping containers suspected of containing cannabis which were in transit to Southampton
Border Force officers searching the containers on May 6 after they reached the UK found some 12 tonnes of cannabis contained within 1,200 boxes of vaccum-packed bags with an estimated street value of £139m. Stay in the know by making sure you’re receiving our daily newsletter
The investigation into the illegal shipment led to South Wales and today officers from South Wales Police, Gwent Police, and the south west regional organised crime unit (SWROCU) executed warrants at the homes of two men and one woman in Merthyr Tydfil, Ebbw Vale and Abertillery. All three suspects, aged in their 30s and 40s, were arrested on suspicion of facilitating the importation of cannabis and are currently in police custody.
The cannabis seized in the operation has an estimated street value of £139m(Image: SWROCU)
Speaking after the arrests acting inspector Stuart Cumine from SWROCU said: “This was clearly a significant seizure, which has not only taken a huge amount of drugs out of circulation, but has deprived the criminal gangs organising the importations of enormous profits totalling millions of pounds.
“While cannabis can commonly be perceived as a low-level threat, people need to understand that the criminals importing and supplying it are using the substantial profits to fund other criminality.
“Operations like this, working with partners on a national and international level, disrupt these criminal networks, deprive them of funds, and protect communities across the UK from the harm that drug supply and other organised criminality causes.”
Border Force director general Phil Douglas said: “This biggest cannabis seizure ever shows Border Force’s relentless action to stop drugs reaching UK streets and destroying lives.
“My thanks to our officers, the south west regional organised crime unit, and the Canada Border Services Agency for their dedication, collaboration, and professionalism.”
Canada Border Services Agency president Erin O’Gorman said the seizures reflected the strength of intelligence-sharing efforts between Canadian federal law enforcement and UK Border Force.
Get daily breaking news updates on your phone by joining our WhatsApp community here. We occasionally treat members to special offers, promotions and ads from us and our partners. See our Privacy Notice