Nespresso coffee factory suddenly discovered more than 500kg of cocaine

The Nespresso factory in Switzerland (left) and the amount of camouflage cocaine they discovered – Photo: REUTERS

Employees at Nestlé Group’s Nespresso coffee factory in Romont, canton of Fribourg, Switzerland, reported finding a mysterious white powder in coffee sacks.

Friborg police investigating the incident on May 5, said the white powder was cocaine. After searching 5 shipping containers by train, police seized more than 500kg of cocaine.

Friborg police have coordinated with customs forces to set up a large security perimeter around the factory area to serve the investigation.

The Nespresso factory said it notified police as soon as it discovered the cocaine. Cocaine does not come into contact with any of the products or manufacturing equipment used by Nespresso to make its products.

Initial investigation revealed that the shipment was of Brazilian origin, more than 80% pure, with an estimated value of more than $50.8 million.

Friborg police said it appeared all of the cocaine was about to be distributed to the European market.