1.5 metric tons of crystal meth discovered in Port of Hamburg

Police and customs officials have seized around 1.5 metric tons of methamphetamine at the Port of Hamburg. 

The drugs were hidden in a shipping container which, according to the shipping documents, was supposed to be carrying thousands of sacks of white rice from Pakistan, the Hamburg Public Prosecutor's Office said on Thursday. 

The value of the seized consignment is estimated at €28.5 million ($33 million).

The Public Prosecutor's Office said investigators made the discovery at the beginning of May. The container showed clear irregularities during an X-ray inspection. 

After opening it and unloading its entire contents, officers discovered a crystalline substance inside several hundred supposed sacks of rice.

A rapid test and a subsequent toxicological analysis confirmed the substance was methamphetamine, also known as crystal meth. This dangerous synthetic drug is highly addictive.

According to the Public Prosecutor's Office, there is as yet no evidence to suggest that the seized quantity was intended for the Hamburg drugs market.

Investigations into those behind the smuggling operation are continuing.