An investigation into the importation of millions of pounds’ worth of cannabis from Canada to the UK has led to two men and one woman from South Wales being arrested this morning (16 June) as part of a South West Regional Organised Unit (SWROCU) led investigation.
The investigation was launched after the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) intercepted a shipment of cannabis destined for the UK.
Working closely with the CBSA, investigators identified two containers suspected to contain cannabis which were in transit to Southampton Port.
Border Force officers intercepted the containers on 6 May and, when searched, approximately 12 tonnes of cannabis, contained within 1200 boxes, with an estimated street value of £139 million, were seized.
Today, SWROCU executed warrants at the homes of two men and one woman from Merthyr Tydfil, Ebbw Vale and Abertillery. Officers from South Wales Police and Gwent Police supported the operation.
All three suspects, aged in their 30s and 40s, were arrested on suspicion of facilitating the importations and are currently in police custody.
Acting Inspector Stuart Cumine from SWROCU said: “This was clearly a significant seizure, which has not only taken a huge amount of drugs out of circulation, but has deprived the criminal gangs organising the importations of enormous profits totalling millions of pounds.
“While cannabis can commonly be perceived as a low-level threat, people need to understand that the criminals importing and supplying it are using the substantial profits to fund other criminality.
“Operations like this, working with partners on a national and international level, disrupt these criminal networks, deprive them of funds, and protect communities across the UK from the harm that drug supply and other organised criminality causes.”
Minister for Migration and Citizenship, Mike Tapp said: “Congratulations to our brilliant Border Force officers for this record-breaking haul.
“We will not allow criminal gangs to profit from misery and peddle their vile trade.
“More than ever before, we are working with policing and international partners to secure our borders and keep our streets safe.”
Border Force Director General, Phil Douglas said: “This biggest cannabis seizure ever shows Border Force’s relentless action to stop drugs reaching UK streets and destroying lives.
“My thanks to our officers, the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit, and the Canada Border Services Agency for their dedication, collaboration, and professionalism.”
Canada Border Services Agency President Erin O’Gorman said: “These seizures reflect the strength of the combined operational focus and intelligence-sharing efforts between Canadian federal law enforcement and our U.K. Border Force partners. It is the result of a highly coordinated, intelligence-led approach to disrupting transnational organized crime.
“The movement of illegal cannabis fuels organized crime networks, and this seizure underscores our collective commitment to combat these criminal activities and keep our borders strong and secure.

Barry Round Table and Barry 41 Club Launch Year‑Long Fundraising Campaign for Ronald McDonald House
E‑bike Seized in Llantwit Major as Police Step Up Action on Illegal Riding
First Minister questioned on housing, the Armed Forces, and Nation of Sanctuary plan in FMQs
Calls for Welsh Government to end term-time only pay for school support staff
New deputy minister for transport addresses need for key infrastructure resilience
Filming underway with Ruth Jones and Steve Speirs for brand new Welsh BBC comedy, Better Later
Llansannor and Llanharry Primary Praised for ‘Nurturing’ and ‘Inclusive’ Environment in New Estyn Report
The candidates standing in the upcoming Baruc ward by-election
Former Ysgol Y Deri Headteacher Chris Britten Awarded MBE for Services to Education
Spectrum Singers celebrate 25 years with a sold‑out Silver anniversary concert at Penarth Pier Pavilion
Barry Family Receives Posthumous Welsh Athletics Award Honouring Long-Serving Teacher
Plans unveiled for Health and Wellbeing Hub in Barry
Major update agreed in council plans for the redevelopment of a former Wilko shop
Plans for a controversial Lidl have reached Welsh Ministers after both outcry and support from the local community
Fire breaks out at 300-year-old Cowbridge Pub
Crowds invited to Fonmon to witness Aberthaw Power Station Tower Demolition
Help for South Wales communities to enjoy great outdoors
New Inclusive Play Area Opens in Palmerston After Major Makeover
The next step in creating a “groundbreaking destination” has been lodged to a south Wales council. v.1
Museum lands at Six Bells for D-Day celebrations