The Malta Tax and Customs Administration, in collaboration with the Malta Police Force Drug Squad, intercepted a significant quantity of suspected cocaine during a joint operation at the Malta Freeport Terminal on Tuesday.

The seizure followed risk-based profiling conducted by Customs officials, who identified a container as suspicious during routine targeting procedures. The container, arriving from Moin, Costa Rica, and transiting through Malta en route to Libya, was subsequently subjected to detailed scanning and physical inspection, the customs department said in a statement.

During the search, Customs Officers discovered the drugs concealed within legitimate cargo. The Malta Police Force Drug Squad was immediately notified and assisted in securing the area, as well as initiating the necessary investigative procedures.

“The quantity seized is estimated at approximately 113 kilograms of cocaine. This seizure adds to a series of recent successful interceptions at the Malta Freeport, where similar operations have uncovered substantial quantities of illicit drugs concealed within transhipment containers,” the department said.

A magisterial inquiry has been opened, and investigations are currently ongoing to identify those involved in the attempted trafficking.

The Malta Tax and Customs Administration extended its appreciation to the Malta Freeport Terminals for their support during the operation.

Authorities highlighted that this operation reflects the continued effectiveness of intelligence-led targeting by Customs, the strong operational cooperation between Customs and Police, and Malta’s commitment to combating international drug trafficking networks exploiting maritime routes.

“The Malta Tax and Customs Administration and the Malta Police Force reaffirm their determination to safeguard the European Union’s external borders and to disrupt criminal activities targeting Malta’s strategic maritime infrastructure.”