6 international drugs gang members have been arrested in connection with the record £300 million bust.
The drugs were found in a pleasure cruiser at Southampton docks in June, a total of 1.2 tonnes with 90% purity.
Officials from the Serious Organised Crime Agency (Soca) and the UK Border Agency (UKBA) said it was the biggest haul of cocaine ever seized in the UK.
Suspicions were raised about the 65ft vessel while it was in the Caribbean in May and French authorities tracked it to Southampton. The £1 million craft Louise was bound for the Netherlands.The Class A drugs were found in a custom-built compartment after officials spent 6 days searching the boat.
Officials report the drugs were packed into the boat in Venezuela and have a wholesale value of £50 million and a street value of £300 million. The level of purity is also very high at 90% compared to an average of 63%.
The UKBA has been assisting Dutch police track down member of an international drugs gang since June and six men were arrested on Tuesday following early morning raids.
Ecstasy, two firearms, two Harley Davidson motorcycles and a total of 100,000 (£87,300) euros were also seized.
Damian Green, Immigration minster said: “This was a significant drugs seizure which was made possible by the co-operation of our international partners. UK Border Agency staff have shown vigilance, dedication and determination to uncover this shipment.
“Our efforts have helped bring an international crime gang to book and the message is clear: we will investigate and prosecute anyone who tries to smuggle banned substances through UK borders.”
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