The Customs Department discovered over 300kg of cocaine while inspecting a container supposedly containing cans of pineapple at the Malta Freeport.
Initially the haul was thought to be 350 kg but the department later reviewed it and said it was 300 kg.
The container, which was transiting through Malta on its way from Ecuador to Spain, was flagged as a potential high risk container following risk analysis performed by the department. Upon physical inspection, Customs officials uncovered six large sacks containing several hold-all bags carrying over 300Kg of a white substance, which following a narcotics fields test conducted by Customs officials, gave a positive indication for cocaine.
It is estimated that the whole has a street value of tens of millions of euro, however, such value which is to be confirmed following a purity analysis is accurate weighing.
Customs officials requested the assistance of the Police Department and informed the duty magistrate of the case. Both Customs Department and the Police Department are continuing their investigations, and the contents of the cans are now also being inspected.
More information will follow as the case unfolds.
