COSTA RICA - Thanks to Costa Rican authorities and an initiative called Operation Sovereignty, 898 kilograms (approximately 1,979 pounds) of cocaine was uncovered in a shipment of bananas.

“With the activation of one of these scanners, we managed to detect 898 kilos of cocaine in a container of bananas that was going to be sent to Belgium. We managed to prevent this drug from reaching consumers and affecting health and safeguarded the good name of our exports,” said Minister of Public Security Mario Zamora Cordero.

The seizure occurred after a suspicious container was detected during analysis and profiling by Drug Control Police (PCD) investigators, reporting from The Tico Times explained. After inspecting the shipment, officers found a total of 898 packages of cocaine hidden within the bananas.

This shipment of produce was destined for the port of Antwerp, Belgium.

We appreciate the efforts of law enforcement around the globe to protect fresh produce and its reputation.