Staff at the Coca-Cola plant in Signes, near the Mediterranean coast, found sacks containing 370kg (815lb) of cocaine hidden in a shipping container among orange juice from Costa Rica. The factory produces concentrates for various drinks.
A spokesman for the company said that staff notified the police immediately. Marseille prosecutor’s office has opened an investigation into trafficking and importing illegal drugs.
Coca leaves were an original ingredient in Coca-Cola in the 19th century, but the company have been quick to stress that actual cocaine has never been an ‘added ingredient’ in the drink. Almost 22,000 Coca-Cola products are sold per second globally.
