Danish police have seized a large quantity of cocaine discovered inside banana deliveries to several Coop supermarket stores in Denmark. The unusual find took place on Monday and Tuesday in shops located in the Nordsjælland and Midt- og Vestsjælland police districts.
Police investigation into cocaine found in bananas
According to the National Unit for Special Crime (National enhed for Særlig Kriminalitet, NSK), the cocaine was detected during routine handling by Coop employees, who reported suspicious packages hidden among banana boxes. Police teams, supported by NSK, quickly moved in to secure the sites and confiscate the cocaine.
Investigations are ongoing to determine how the drugs ended up in the fruit shipments and whether Denmark was the intended destination or simply a transit point. Authorities have not yet disclosed the total weight of the seized cocaine.
Coop cooperating closely with authorities
Coop Denmark, one of the country’s largest retail chains, stated it is working “in close cooperation with police” to clarify the incident. The company emphasized that the safety of customers and staff remains a priority and that they are assisting the investigation to track the supply chain involved.
Broader context of cocaine smuggling in Europe
This is not the first case of cocaine smuggling using fruit shipments in Europe. Criminal networks have often exploited legitimate trade routes to hide narcotics inside containers of bananas and other perishable goods. In recent years, several European ports have reported similar seizures, underscoring the challenges faced by customs and law enforcement agencies.
The Danish case highlights the continued risks tied to international drug trafficking and the necessity for rigorous checks even in seemingly low-risk cargo.
