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Written question asked by Carla Lockhart (Democratic Unionist Party) on Tuesday, 13 May 2025, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 15 May 2025. It was answered by Diana Johnson (Labour) on Wednesday, 21 May 2025 on behalf of the Home Office.

Drug Seizures: Seas and Oceans

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what (a) quantity and (b) estimated street value of drugs retrieved from flotation devices at sea have been seized by Border Force in 2025; and what steps her Department is taking to help tackle the use of those devices for illegal activity.

Answer

Border Force has made one seizure of drugs so far in the calendar year 2025 that was packaged as an At Sea Drop-Off (ASDOs). The total seizure was 1464kg (Net) Cocaine and would have a street value of approximately £58,560,000 (£40,000 per kg). This was not directly retrieved from a flotation device as Border Force detected and seized before it entered the sea.

Border Force works around the clock to disrupt drug supply chains and will continue working closely with national and overseas partners to identify and prevent the new methods criminals take to smuggling illegal drugs. The collective response in dismantling drug smuggling operations from Police, the National Crime Agency and Border Force is helping the government deliver its safer streets mission by smashing organised crime gangs and saving lives.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
51973
Session
2024-26
Subjects
Seas and oceans UK Border Force Drug seizures
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk