France seizes 3.9 tonnes of Cocaine Shipped From Ghana

French customs officials have intercepted nearly 3.9 tonnes of cocaine concealed in a container of plastic waste shipped from Ghana to the port of Dunkirk in northern France.

The consignment, which was seized on Thursday, September 10, is estimated to have a street value of €225 million (US$261.45 million), according to Reuters.

The cocaine was hidden inside the container, which was reportedly being transported partly to Antwerp, Belgium.

France’s organised crime prosecutor’s office said the seizure followed a targeted operation conducted by the judicial police against a suspected criminal network believed to be linked to the shipment.

Authorities have since destroyed the seized narcotics, while prosecutors have commenced investigations into the shipment and the network allegedly responsible for it.

The case involves suspected offences including the organised importation of narcotics and participation in a criminal association. Convictions for such offences under French law can attract prison sentences of up to 10 years.

The latest operation adds to France’s efforts to combat international drug trafficking and prevent large quantities of narcotics from reaching the country.

Reuters reported that French customs seized 108.81 tonnes of narcotics nationwide in 2025, covering all categories of drugs, with an estimated value of €2.197 billion.