A van containing 136 kilos of cannabis, with a street value of €2.5 million, was intercepted by the police in Burmarrad on Tuesday.

Four people have been arrested over the massive drug bust.

The police said the vehicle had been under surveillance for a number of days by the Drugs Squad and the Rapid Intervention Unit.

On Tuesday, the van was followed as it was driven into a garage at the Burmarrad industrial estate. At this point, the building was surrounded by officers, who confirmed their suspicion when a large quantity of drugs was found inside the vehicle.

The drugs were hidden inside olive cans. Two Maltese men – a 30-year-old resident of San Gwann and a 26-year-old from Hamrun – were arrested at the scene.

The police later arrested two others – a 26-year-old Maltese man from Pembroke and a 43-year-old Englishman who lives in St Julian’s.

Officers also found equipment used to pack and seal the cannabis inside smaller bags, a small amount of cocaine, ecstasy, amphetamines and a pistol and ammunition. They also found a considerable amount of cash.

The police said this was the largest drug bust on the local market so far this year.

Duty Magistrate Monica Vella is leading an inquiry.