Colombia records 'biggest seizure' of cocaine

Colombian authorities have confiscated eight tonnes of cocaine along the border with Panama in what its president described as the "biggest seizure of drugs in history".

An estimated $240m worth of cocaine was seized on a banana plantation in the municipality of Turbo in Antioquia region by 50 commandos backed by helicopters, the national police agency said on Sunday.

Three people were arrested in the operation on the plantation whe-re 359 canvas sacks loaded with packs of cocaine were hidden in a small cubicle under a cement cover 2.5 metres underground.

Three other suspects escaped, according to a police statement.

Defence Minister Luis Carlos Villegas said the drugs belonged to the Clan Usuga crime gang. The US has offered a $5m reward for the capture of its leader.

Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos congratulated the police officials on Twitter, adding that "the operation in Turbo seized the largest amount in our history ... A crushing blow to the criminals".