Suspected drug gang members were arrested after a £140m cocaine haul was found in a shipping container.
The drugs, which weighed 1.3 tonnes in total, were discovered in August last year in a shipping container at the Port of Felixstowe, Suffolk, after it had arrived from Sierra Leone. The haul had a street value of £140m and was hidden in 20 kilo sacks with a cover load of flour and were destined to be delivered to an industrial estate in Wigan.
Today, Wednesday, November 29, National Crime Agency officers arrested nine suspects from the suspected organised crime group in a series of co-ordinated strikes. Six of the suspects are allegedly directly linked to the huge seizure.
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Three of the alleged OCG members were arrested over other conspiracy to supply Class A drugs offences. The men are in their 40s, 50s and 60s.
Two suspects were arrested at houses in Bootle, one in Crosby and one man was arrested in Birkenhead. Four suspects were arrested at properties in Chorley. One man was produced from prison and also arrested.
The men allegedly had various roles within the conspiracy from orchestrating the importation to organising premises and logistics. All are currently in custody awaiting interview.
Richie Davies, National Crime Agency Branch Commander, said: “This was a massive haul of cocaine with an estimated street value of £140m. There is no doubt these drugs would have been sold on into communities across the UK fuelling violence, exploitation and misery.
“Since the seizure of the drugs the agency has been working intensely to identify and pursue those responsible.”
Five suspects were arrested in late 2022 over the importation and were later released under investigation. Three of those suspects were rearrested today.
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William Turner is a seasoned U.K. correspondent with a deep understanding of domestic affairs. With a passion for British politics and culture, he provides insightful analysis and comprehensive coverage of events within the United Kingdom.
