The National Crime Agency investigation saw a mammoth 847.5 kilos of the Class A drug recovered after a coverload of shea butter was discovered in a shipping container

In a major crackdown on drug trafficking, four men have been apprehended and an astonishing £80m worth of cocaine has been recovered. The National Crime Agency’s (NCA) extensive investigation culminated in the recovery of 847.5 kilos of the Class A substance.

According to police reports, the individuals were detained on Wednesday, February 5, with ages ranging from their 30s to 60s. The arrests took place at a location in Merrington, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, and the suspects have since been released on bail.

The NCA’s probe was initiated following a Border Force examination of a shipping container on December 23 last year at Tilbury Docks in Essex, which uncovered a consignment of shea butter concealing the cocaine blocks beneath. These blocks bore various distinctive markings, including Polo Ralph Lauren logos, a Cessna logo, and a Star of David.

West Mercia Police provided assistance during the NCA’s arrest operation and subsequent searches.

Additionally, a woman in her 40s was arrested under suspicion of money laundering and is currently released under investigation, reports the Mirror.

David Phillips, NCA operations manager, commented on the bust: “The NCA works tirelessly with partners at home and abroad to protect the public from the threat of Class A drugs which cause devastation to communities across the UK.”

He added: “This is a very significant haul of cocaine and its seizure will cause big losses to the organised crime group behind its importation.”