PORTUGAL - Portuguese police were some of the latest global authorities to foil a plan to transport narcotics within a shipment of produce. Following a tip, the police force uncovered a consignment of melons that was carrying cocaine.
According to a report from Portugal Resident, the drugs were hidden amongst the melons in small sachets and concealed with a form of vegetable glue. More than 6 million individual doses were uncovered.
The tip Portuguese authorities received led them to a warehouse in Palmela where the melons were being stored. The shipment came from Brazil, and the drugs concealed inside are valued at between $13.1 million and $20.7 million.
The melons arrived in palettes via Setúbal port and were due to be transported by road to Belgium.
We thank the authorities around the globe for continuing to preserve the quality of fresh produce.
