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Over 18,000 Kilos Of Drugs Seized By Malta’s Customs Officials In 2 Years: Here Are The 10 Largest Drug Hauls

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Malta’s potential role as a hub for the wider European drug trade is becoming more apparent with Customs and the Police recording record seizures year on year.

In fact, 2018 saw a mammoth 17 tonnes worth of drugs seized by officials, most of which is attributed to the 16 tonnes of cannabis seized in two separate operations, now officially considered the two largest drug hauls in Maltese history.

That’s roughly the same weight as the anchor of a cruise ship, three elephants, four hippos, or a fourth of a space satellite.

Interestingly, it should be noted that cannabis does appear to form the bulk of all discoveries. In fact, cocaine seizures actually dropped in 2018 (99 kilos) from the 322 kilos seized in 2017.

Both Customs and Police have repeatedly said most of the major hauls use Malta as a stop-over point before reaching the European mainland.

The drastic improvement in the discovery and seizure of illicit substances is distinctly apparent when examining the figures over a five-year period, with the introduction of state-of-the-art equipment playing a determining factor in the increase.

2017, it appears, was the watershed moment with the total seized in the year amounting to more than what was discovered over a four year period between 2013-2016.

For example, in 2017 over 1100 kilos worth of drugs were seized, compared to the just 25 kg seized in 2013.

In view of the significant improvement, Lovin Malta took a look at the 10 biggest drug hauls over the last two years.

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1. September 18th 2018: 11,000 kilos (11 Tonnes)

In what is officially the largest drug haul in Maltese history, Customs discovered roughly 11 tonnes of cannabis hidden in two containers arriving from Damascus, Syria.

The cannabis resin was found in containers which were declared to be carrying pails of crockery detergent and blow-torches.

Initial indications suggested the resin had a street value of approximately €28.5 million.

2. December 19th 2018: 5,020 kilos (5 tonnes)

A container intercepted by Customs was found to be carrying 5.02 tonnes (5,020 kg) of cannabis resin, a street value of approximately €450,000.

It was deriving from the port of Algeciras, in Spain, and heading to Malta.

A company registered in Malta was declared to be the consignee.

3. October 13th 2017: 550 kilos

In an overnight operation, the Police seized 550kg of cannabis that was believed to be worth millions.

The seizure led to the arrest of two Italian nationals, two Slovenian nationals and one Maltese – all men aged between 30 and 60.

The drugs were found in two large trucks with Italian license plates and false bottoms, and a local private vehicle. The vehicles were seized in Fgura and St Julian’s.

The arrests came after 24 hours of surveillance. In addition to the drugs, €100,000 was also seized.

4. March 16th 2017: 300 kilos

The one that started it all. The over 300kg of cocaine discovered in March 2017 was considered a record at the time. Customs had found the massive haul while inspecting a container supposedly containing cans of pineapple at the Malta Freeport.

The container, which was transiting through Malta on its way from Ecuador to Spain, was carrying six large sacks containing the 300kg of cocaine.

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5. March 20th 2019: 288 kilos

Cocaine with a street value of €32.4 million was seized by Customs Department at Malta Freeport just under a month ago.

The drugs were found in hidden packets within refrigerated containers. A total of 240 packets, weighing 288 kg, were discovered.

In what seems to be a common theme, the containers were carrying fruit and transited through Malta from South America en-route to an EU member state.

6. January 31st 2019: 231 kilos

Moving to Sicily, a Maltese man was arrested with 231kg, valued at €1.5m.

The drug was discovered among frozen food that was being transported in a trailer which was about the be driven onto the catamaran on its way to Malta.

The man, aged 32, is a driver with a Maltese transport company.

7. July 27th 2018: 200 kilos

Police arrested three men, two Sicilians and a Malta after they were caught in possession of 100kg of cannabis resin and 100kg of cannabis.

The drugs were hidden in a consignment of fruit in two separate vans.

8. December 24th 2017: 150 kilos

A Maltese man was arrested on Christmas Eve in what is believed to have been a major operation conducted by the Customs Department and the police. Around 150 kgs of cannabis were seized in a car belonging to the man, who was on his way from Sicily to Malta.

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9. May 9th 2018: 111 kilos

A 55-year-old and a 25-year-old man were arrested in connection with the discovery of 111kg of cannabis resin in a house in Birkirkara.

10. April 7th 2019: 91.2 kilos

The most recent one of the bunch, taking place just under 3 days ago. Around 91.2kg of cocaine, worth roughly €10 million, was discovered in two containers.

Both of the containers were once again carrying fruit and transited through Malta from South America en-route to an EU member state.

The case was handed over to the Police Anti Drug Squad, who are conducting the investigations. The duty magistrate is leading the inquiry assisted by a team of experts from the Police Forensics Unit.

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BONUS: March 13th 2018

Malta’s police and customs officer played a massive role in the arrest of a large criminal gang based in Croatia.

In a controlled delivery, 100 kilos of cocaine were detected in a container situated at the Freeport. The container, which was full of metal scrap, was on its way from South America to Europe

All images were provided for by Police and Customs

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What do you make of these findings?

READ NEXT: Over €10 Million Worth Of Cocaine Seized By Malta Customs

Julian is the former editor of Lovin Malta and has a particular interest in politics, the environment, social issues, and human interest stories.

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