Police seized 229kg of cocaine during an inspection at the port of A Coruna in Spain.

The routine check uncovered eight bales containing numerous packages of the substance, which were hidden in the refrigeration units of the Panamanian-flagged ship Energy Glory on December 15.

Authorities reported that the cocaine is valued at over 7.5 million EUR (approximately 6.2 million GBP).

Local media reports said that the vessel, which had previously stopped in Huelva, was carrying 25,000 kg (55,116 lbs) of flour along with the drugs concealed in the cooling system.

Police have launched an investigation, and the crew members have not yet been arrested.

The ship, travelling from Brazil, was flagged as a 'hot zone' - labelled as high risk due to safety concerns stemming from piracy, accidents, environmental hazards, congestion, and wars, prompting the inspection that confirmed the presence of narcotics.

Drug trafficking accounts for a significant portion of organised crime profits, severely impacting communities, businesses, government systems, and the broader economy.

Police believe the southern route - from Afghanistan through Pakistan or Iran, via the Persian Gulf and East Africa - is especially concerning due to its role in supplying heroin and other drugs to Europe and its harmful effects on African nations.

The National Drugs Library concluded that around 83.4 million or 29 per cent of adults (aged 15-64) in the EU are estimated to have used illegal drugs at least once in their lifetime. Cannabis remains by far the most commonly consumed illicit drug in Europe.