Border Force and National Crime Agency (NCA) officers have uncovered a huge cache of weapons and drugs during a routine inspection at Dover.
The excessive contraband was discovered inside a Lithuanian-registered heavy goods vehicle at England's main continent-exporting port.
The intercepted contraband included 20 pistols, 320 bullets, and 170kg of ketamine.
Law enforcement officials valued the ketamine at approximately £4.5million.
Some 20 pistols were discovered
National Crime Agency
Additionally, more than 4,000 ecstasy tablets were found concealed in the vehicle. The MDMA pills carried an estimated street value of £40,000.
The NCA confirmed the weapons would undergo expert analysis, but initial assessments suggest they are functioning pistols.
The lorry driver, a 34-year-old citizen of Tajikistan, was detained on suspicion of attempting to smuggle the prohibited items into the country.
The man has subsequently been granted bail while the NCA continues its investigation.
Authorities are working to establish the full extent of the smuggling operation and identify any additional individuals involved.
NCA senior investigating officer Darren Herbert said: "With thanks to our Border Force colleagues, an arsenal of deadly firearms, as well as harmful drugs, have been seized before they could reach the criminal supply chain.
"Our investigation to trace and detain the individuals responsible for the attempted importation is ongoing.
"Alongside our domestic and international partners, we are relentless in our efforts to suppress the supply of firearms to UK-based organised crime groups."
A huge 170kg of ketamine was discovered
National Crime Agency
Border Force Director for South East Region, Dave Smith, echoed Herbert's thoughts.
Smith said: "This is a significant seizure which demonstrates the vital work Border Force officers do every day to keep lethal weapons and dangerous drugs off our streets."
The director emphasised that intercepting the firearms and drugs could prevent "untold damage" to communities.
Smith added: "We will continue to work closely with the NCA to bring those responsible to justice and disrupt criminal networks involved in smuggling."