ISTANBUL, TURKEY - Authorities in Turkey uncovered roughly 80 kilograms of cocaine en route from Ecuador this week—disguised in containers of bananas. Approximately 176 pounds worth of the illicit substance was seized at the port of Istanbul.

According to a report by Hurrieyet Daily News, anti-drug teams seized the cache of cocaine from a container ship carrying bananas from South America. A source spoke to the news source on the condition of anonymity, due to restrictions against authorities talking to the media.

The illicit substance was uncovered in 70 packages spread throughout six containers. An investigation has reportedly been launched into the case—though no information has been forthcoming on arrests or the fate of the container ship and its cargo.

Transportation of cocaine and other illicit substances from South America to Europe is not an altogether uncommon phenomenon. The trial of Mexican drug lord Joaquín Guzmán recently revealed details about drugs smuggled in plastic bananas. And a recent report by The Guardian outlined ways in which an expansive cocaine ring brought as much as two tons of cocaine into Germany in shipments of bananas between April 2017 and September 2018.

AndNowUKnow will continue to report of illicit activities and criminals infiltrating the fresh produce industry.