231 kg of cocaine hidden in Dutch lorry seized in Côte-d'Or
Customs officials in Dijon have intercepted 231.3 kg of cocaine concealed in the ventilation system of a heavy goods vehicle registered in the Netherlands. The goods are valued at €6.8 million.
Record seizure in Côte-d'Or: 231 kg of cocaine found in lorry ventilation system
On 27 August 2026, customs officials in Dijon seized 231.3 kg of cocaine concealed in the ventilation system of the cab of a heavy goods vehicle, according to BFM TV. The resale value of the drugs is estimated at €6.8 million.
The lorry, registered in the Netherlands, was subjected to an in-depth inspection in Côte-d'Or. According to a customs statement, "the driver's behaviour as well as the low declared value of the merchandise, consisting of Spanish sparkling wines, prompted the customs officers to deepen their checks and verify the entire load".
More than 230 kg of cocaine was discovered in the cab's ventilation system. The driver, a Dutch national, "acknowledged knowing he was transporting narcotics and was remanded in custody", the customs authority confirmed.
Brought before Dijon's judicial court in emergency hearing on Monday 31 August, he "requested a delay to prepare his defence". His trial has been scheduled for 14 October.
French customs officially announced the case on Wednesday 2 September. In 2025, they had seized 108.81 tonnes of narcotics across the entire national territory, including 31.26 tonnes of cocaine.
Source: BFM TV