An incident recorded as the largest drug seizure in Russian history took place in St. Petersburg. A ship named “Cool Emerald” that departed from Ecuador delivered a banana cargo to the country. However, unexpectedly, more than 1.5 tons of cocaine was discovered among the shipment, reported the Federal Customs Service of Russia.
“White gold” hidden among bananas
According to the information, on August 29 in the seaport of St. Petersburg, the cocaine was specially hidden among banana boxes on the ship. During inspection, customs and security service officers seized more than 1,500 bricks. Their total weight together with packaging amounted to 1,750 kilograms, with a net weight of 1,515 kilograms.
One of the bricks had the inscription "Fendi", which drew attention. Experts estimated the black market value of the seized cocaine at about 20 billion rubles. This is roughly 240 million US dollars.
Criminal case opened
The Federal Customs Service of Russia recorded this case as the largest drug seizure in the country’s history. At present, the Baltic Customs Service has opened a criminal case under Article 229.1 of the Russian Criminal Code. According to the law, smuggling narcotic substances in especially large quantities is punishable by life imprisonment.
The official statement emphasized:
“Currently, operational search and investigative actions are being carried out to identify and detain members of the organized criminal group involved in drug smuggling.”
