Trending Now - Cocaine Valued at $100 Million Discovered in Banana Shipment

WHO:

Yahoo - Three men have been charged: Daniel Dumitru (37) from the West Midlands, Andrew Smyth (46) from Merseyside, and Joshua Berry (28) from Hampshire.

CBS News World - The U.K.'s National Crime Agency (NCA) is involved in the investigation.

WHAT:

Yahoo - Authorities seized 943 kg of cocaine hidden in a shipment of bananas.

Yahoo - The street value of the seized cocaine is approximately £75 million (just under $100 million).

Yahoo - The three men are charged with importing class A drugs.

WHERE:

Yahoo - The cocaine was discovered at Southampton Docks in England.

Yahoo - The shipment originated from Nicaragua and passed through Panama.

WHEN:

Yahoo - The cocaine was seized on March 18th, 2026.

Yahoo - Dumitru and Smyth appeared at Southampton Magistrates’ Court on March 19th, 2026.

Yahoo - Joshua Berry appeared in court on March 28th, 2026.

Yahoo - The three men are expected to appear before Southampton Crown Court on April 17th, 2026.

WHY:

Yahoo - The NCA stated that the supply of class A drugs damages society by bringing violence and addiction to communities.

HOW:

Yahoo - The cocaine was smuggled in a shipment of bananas.

(UPDATED March 30, 2026 19:20 UTC)

Three men have been charged with importing class A drugs after authorities seized 943 kilograms of cocaine hidden in a shipment of bananas at Southampton Docks, with a street value of approximately £75 million. The U.K.'s National Crime Agency is involved in the investigation, which revealed that the shipment originated from Nicaragua and passed through Panama before its discovery March 18th. Daniel Dumitru and Andrew Smyth appeared at Southampton Magistrates’ Court March 19th, while Joshua Berry had his court appearance on Saturday, and all three are set to appear before Southampton Crown Court April 17th.