Cocaine Smugglers Convicted After 28-Mile Sea Chase Ends in £18.4m Drug Bust
Seven Men Convicted in Major Cocaine Smuggling Plot After Dramatic Sea Pursuit Off Cornwall Coast
Seven men have been convicted of importing Class A drugs following a high-stakes 28-mile sea chase and subsequent National Crime Agency (NCA) investigation that led to the seizure of £18.4 million worth of cocaine.
The incident unfolded on 13 September 2024 when a rigid-hulled inflatable boat (RHIB) was spotted by Border Force officers conducting an operation off Newquay. Officers suspected the RHIB had picked up drugs from a larger vessel at sea and attempted to intercept.
The suspects, later identified as Peter Williams (43), Scott Johnston (38) – both from Havant – and Edwin Yahir Tabora Baca (33) of Barcelona, Spain, led officers on a 28-mile maritime pursuit before running their boat aground on Gwynver Beach, Penzance. During the chase, they were seen throwing packages overboard, which were later recovered and confirmed to contain around 230kg of high-purity cocaine.
Conspirators Caught Through Phone Messages and Surveillance
Further investigation by the NCA identified a wider conspiracy involving:
- Alex Fowlie (35), of Chichester – who purchased the RHIB and sent voice notes planning further “zero risk” one-tonne smuggling operations
- Bobbie Pearce (29) and Michael May (47), both of Brentwood
- Terry Willis (44), of Chelmsford – also found in possession of a revolver and ammunition
The group was found to have coordinated the drugs landing from land, lying in wait on the Cornish coast for the RHIB’s arrival.
Guilty Pleas and Trial Verdicts
Five of the men pleaded guilty ahead of trial. These included Tabora Baca, whose “fishing trip” defence was dismantled by evidence of him photographing the cocaine aboard the RHIB.
Willis also admitted to charges of money laundering and firearms possession after a loaded revolver was discovered at his home.
Michael May and Scott Johnston denied the charges but were found guilty of conspiracy to import Class A drugs after a two-week trial concluded today [Monday, 23 June] at Truro Crown Court.
All seven defendants are remanded in custody and will be sentenced on 1 August 2025 at Truro Crown Court.
NCA and Border Force Statements
Barry Vinall, NCA Senior Investigating Officer, said:
“Thanks to vigilant and determined Border Force officers, it will be the drugs that are destroyed, not lives.”
Duncan Capps, Senior Director of Border Force Maritime, added:
“Our officers showed incredible skill during the 28-mile pursuit. This case proves our joint commitment with the NCA to stop dangerous drugs reaching the streets.”
