ITALY - At least one criminal was recently arrested in connection to a drug smuggling attempt made under the guise of fresh produce. Over three tons (6,000 pounds) of cocaine was uncovered hidden within shipments of goods, which included fresh bananas, and is estimated to be worth roughly $1.13 billion (€1 billion).

The bust took place in Italy and involved a shipment sent from South Africa. News source DW reported that Italian police officers and customs officials raided the port of Gioia Tauro, in Calabria, southern Italy. There, they uncovered 2.3 tons (4,600 pounds) of cocaine hidden amongst goods including bananas.

The remaining 850 kilograms (1,870 pounds) were seized when officials noticed a suspicious truck exiting the port, which was discovered to be transporting cocaine amongst bananas and other items. The driver of the truck has been arrested.

While further details of the incident were not released, we are incredibly thankful for the acts carried out to bust this criminal activity. Once again, our precious fresh produce has been saved from the dastardly deeds of drug smugglers.