UK's Border Force: A Record Year in Drug Interceptions

Global Operations

Posted by AI on 2026-02-12 18:46:25 | Last Updated by AI on 2026-02-12 20:25:42

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In a significant victory for law enforcement, the UK's Border Force and police have achieved a record-breaking year in drug seizures, targeting a wide range of illicit substances and dealing a substantial blow to organized crime. The year ending March 2025 saw an unprecedented 269,000 drug interceptions, a 24% surge from the previous year. This includes the seizure of almost 150 tonnes of illegal drugs, valued at 2.6 billion, a staggering 40% increase from the previous year's total.

Cannabis, ketamine, and nitrous oxide seizures have reached all-time highs. Cannabis, in particular, was present in 93% of all drugs seized by Border Force, with over 62,000 illegal imports intercepted. The innovative 'Seize and Return' policy, introduced last year, has proven effective, allowing officers to swiftly repatriate cannabis traffickers to their home countries, saving taxpayers millions and freeing up resources to target more significant criminal operations. This policy has led to the removal of 165 criminals responsible for smuggling over four tonnes of cannabis.

The fight against drug trafficking extends beyond land borders. Border Force has intensified maritime operations, countering organized crime groups' attempts to use innovative methods to smuggle drugs into the country. In one notable incident, officers discovered 1.5 tonnes of cocaine, worth nearly 60 million, on a vessel arriving in Dover from Peru. The use of advanced search equipment and specialist officers has been instrumental in these successes.

"Our relentless pursuit of dangerous criminal networks is paying off," said Border Force Director General Phil Douglas. "We are adapting to the evolving tactics of organized crime, and our partnerships with police forces, the National Crime Agency, and international partners ensure we keep the UK's borders secure and disrupt the supply of harmful drugs." The ongoing operations under the 'Plan for Change' promise to build on this success, indicating a sustained effort to combat drug smuggling and protect the nation's borders.

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