COCAINE worth �1.3 million has been found hidden in a cargo of banana flakes at the Port of Felixstowe, it was revealed today.

UK Border Agency officers made the discovery after the container was scanned using hi-tech x-ray equipment.

No arrests have been made in connection with the smuggled drugs.

The 54 kilos of cocaine was found on Wednesday inside a box shipped from Ecuador and destined to be sent on to Antwerp, Belgium.

The scan showed a discrepancy in the cargo and further investigation revealed two black holdalls left on top of the packed banana flakes.

Bill Form, assistant director for the UK Border Agency at Felixstowe, said: “This would appear to be the work of a ‘rip off’ gang.

“The smugglers target well-established companies in the hope that the containers will not be subject to the same level of scrutiny as less well known firms.

“Their modus operandi sees them re-open a container after it has been sealed, throw in their contraband load and then secure the container with a substitute seal so that at a cursory glance it appears untouched.

“However, we’re equipped with the latest technolgy – including x-ray scanners – and will stop at nothing to prevent dangerous drugs getting into the UK.”