A lorry packed full of guns, bullets and drugs worth millions of pounds was stopped as it arrived in Kent.
National Crime Agency (NCA) officers made the discovery after Border Force staff intercepted the HGV at the Port of Dover on Monday.
Among the haul was a collection of 20 firearms, 320 rounds of ammunition, 4,000 MDMA pills and 170kg of ketamine.
The pistols are yet to be tested but are thought to be “viable”.
NCA investigators estimate the street value of the ketamine would have been around £4.5 million, and £40,000 for the MDMA pills.
A 34-year-old Tajikistani national has been arrested on suspicion of smuggling the illegal items, which were hidden away in the Lithuanian-registered lorry.
He has since been released from custody on bail as enquiries continue.
NCA senior investigating officer Darren Herbert said: “With thanks to our Border Force colleagues, an arsenal of deadly firearms, as well as harmful drugs, have been seized before they could reach the criminal supply chain.
“Our investigation to trace and detain the individuals responsible for the attempted importation is ongoing.
“Alongside our domestic and international partners, we are relentless in our efforts to suppress the supply of firearms to UK-based organised crime groups.”
Border Force Director for South East Region, Dave Smith, added: “This is a significant seizure which demonstrates the vital work Border Force officers do every day to keep lethal weapons and dangerous drugs off our streets.
“The firearms and drugs intercepted could have caused untold damage to our communities if they had reached their intended destination.
“We will continue to work closely with the NCA to bring those responsible to justice and disrupt criminal networks involved in smuggling.”
