Largest Ever Cocaine Seizure Leads To Arrests

A record haul of cocaine seized by the UK Border Agency, working with SOCA and the Dutch National Crime Squad, has led to the arrest of six members of an international drugs ring.

The 1.2 tonne seizure, which has a purity of 90 per cent and is worth up to £300 million, was found hidden inside a £1million pleasure cruiser at Southampton docks in June. Since then the UK Border Agency has helped Dutch police track members of the criminal gang responsible, who were arrested on Tuesday in The Netherlands.

It is the largest quantity of Class A drugs ever seized in the UK.

Officers from the UK Border Agency's crime team originally targeted the luxury yacht Louise as it was transported to Southampton from the British Virgin Islands in a cargo ship.

Specially trained officers from the UK Border Agency spent six days carrying out a thorough search of the yacht for the contraband. The drugs were eventually found hidden deep beneath the bathing platform of the boat, having been packed inside this specially prepared space while in Venezuela.

The seizure formed part of an operation with the Dutch police, acting on intelligence provided by SOCA's international network and in close cooperation with the French Customs Investigation Service (DNRED).

The cocaine, which originated in South America, is 90 per cent pure. The average purity of cocaine seized at the UK border is 63 per cent. The drugs are estimated to be worth between £50 million (wholesale) and £300 million (street value).

Immigration Minister Damian Green said: “This was a significant drugs seizure which was made possible by the cooperation of our international partners. UK Border Agency staff have shown vigilance, dedication and determination to uncover this shipment.

“Our efforts have helped bring an international crime gang to book and the message is clear; we will investigate and prosecute anyone who tries to smuggle banned substances through the UK border.

“By keeping the border secure we play a key role in stopping drugs entering the UK and in reducing the harm they do to our communities. We aim to protect society from the violence and corruption that always accompanies the trade in illegal goods.”

(BMcN/GK)