Italian police have seized 1,000 kilograms (2,200 pounds) of pure cocaine worth as much as euro250 million ($340 million) from a shipping container carrying farm equipment from Brazil.
Police in the Calabrian port of Gioia Tauro discovered the haul acting on a tip from British officials dealing with organized crime, The Associated Press reported on November 15.
Calabria is home to the 'ndrangheta organized crime syndicate, which has been expanding its grip on drug trafficking in Europe.
Officials told reporters Monday it wasn't clear what if any role the 'ndrangheta had, but the use of a Calabrian port was significant since such huge shipments of drugs destined for the European market usually arrive in the Netherlands.
A statement from Rome's carabinieri said it was the largest such seizure in Italy in 15 years.
