AN audacious drug-smuggling gang, who concealed cocaine worth £10m in the lining of banana boxes, was busted by Met officers and the UK Border Force.

The arrests followed a swoop on a home in Western Avenue, Acton.

Two shipments of bananas were seized as they arrived at Portsmouth from the Dominican Republic.

Border Force officers searched the shipments and discovered drugs hidden within the cardboard packaging.

Specialist Crime officers then gathered further evidence, which led them to the Acton address. They carried out a warrant and arrested the occupants.

Det Chief Insp Lewis Sanderson said: “Working closely with UK Border Force has been integral in acting so quickly and arresting those suspected of these offences.

“I have no doubt these drugs were intended to be sold across London and beyond.

“By working together, we can dismantle large-scale drug networks who profiteer from vulnerable people and cause misery.”

Three men aged 31, 34 and 37 were all arrested on suspicion of importing cocaine. They were due to appear before Uxbridge magistrates today (31).