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Explained in plain English

Why use banana shipments?

Criminals frequently exploit large, legitimate cargo shipments, like those carrying bananas from South America, to hide drugs. These shipments are high volume and often perishable, creating pressure for quick processing at ports, which criminals hope will reduce scrutiny. The sheer scale makes thorough checks difficult, offering a 'needle in a haystack' scenario.

Stories that explain this

£232m of cocaine found hidden in Essex banana shipment Border Force seizes £160 million in drugs at Southampton port

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