Ecuadorian police on the weekend seized a haul of around 2.5 metric tons (MT) of cocaine which was hidden in banana boxes, according to publication Ecuavisa. 

The Ministry of the Interior said the load had been destined for Europe.

"A total of 2,407 packets with a weight of approximately 2.5 metric tons of the drug was found," the story quoted a ministry statement as saying.

The drugs were reportedly going to set sail for Belgium from the southeastern city of Guayaquil.

"The agents blocked the container that belonged to the company Tropikfruit S.A. and that contained banana for export," the ministry added.

One man identified as Julio Ch. has reportedly been arrested.

Ecuador is the world's largest banana exporter and has increased exports to the European market this year following its accession to a trade deal that lowers tariffs.

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