Last updated 16:00, Wednesday, 07 May 2008

CUMBRIA detectives have made one of the UK’s biggest seizures of cocaine in an operation hailed as a major breakthrough in the fight against illegal drug trafficking.

Drugs worth £15 million were seized at Harwich port in Essex and seven men arrested at the weekend following a lengthy probe into an organised crime ring.

The investigation was led by a crack squad of officers from Cumbria police’s headquarters’ CID unit, helped by Lancashire Constabulary and HM Customs and Revenue.

The huge haul of 140 kilos of cocaine was seized when two vehicles were stopped and searched as they entered the port on Saturday morning.

Seven men – including a man from Kendal – were questioned by detectives. On Tuesday three men were due to go before Kendal magistrates to face charges.

Officers warned their investigation was not over and a string of businesses and homes were in the process of being searched in Cumbria and across the country.

A force spokesman said: “This is one of the biggest mainland seizures ever seen in the UK. It is believed the drugs originated from mainland Europe.

“Enquiries are ongoing to trace others suspected of being involved.”

Det Supt Paul Carter added: “This is the latest stage of an investigation that has gone on for some months.

“Cumbria Constabulary is committed to tackling and dismantling organised crime groups and recovering their assets.”