An intelligence-led operation uncovered the drugs

The cannabis resin, weighing 1.3 tonnes, was concealed in pallets inside a 40ft trailer being unloaded from a ship which had sailed from Rotterdam.

Customs experts using the latest device in their battle against drugs imports scanned the vehicle after it left the ferry and discovered the dugs.

A new freight scanner, which X-rays heavy goods vehicles, identified the haul in the trailer.

Customs and Excise are hailing the success of the new technology, which they say, complements their targeting of the right vehicles.

A spokesman for the Customs and Excise said the consignment was part of a major importation operation and the find was a major blow against the dealers.