In a significant operation, the Metropolitan Police have dismantled a cross-channel drug smuggling ring that had infiltrated the Border Force, with a Border Force official collaborating with the criminal gang to smuggle drugs into the UK. The gang’s activities involved the importation of drugs destined for the streets of south London.
Kevin Smith, a 37-year-old Border Force official from Portsmouth, admitted to misconduct in a public office. Investigations revealed that Smith, who worked in Portsmouth and was responsible for searching vehicles and checking passports, was working in collaboration with the drug smuggling gang.
Working in conjunction with the National Crime Agency (NCA), Metropolitan Police officers meticulously built a case against the criminal network. The investigation showed that the drugs were intended for distribution on the streets of south London.
Three other individuals were implicated in the conspiracy. Caprice Thompson, 46, from Brixton, and Sinan Baki, 49, from Clapham, were found guilty of conspiracy to import Class A drugs. David Johnson, 51, also from Clapham, had previously pleaded guilty to all charges, including conspiracy to import Class A drugs.
The four individuals are scheduled to be sentenced at Kingston Crown Court on June 7.
Detective Inspector Lydia Stephens of the Metropolitan Police Specialist Crime Command commented on the operation, stating, “These individuals were heavily involved in the large-scale supply of Class A drugs in London that severely impacts our communities, drives violence, and can lead to vulnerable people and children being criminally exploited across the city.
She further added, “Apprehending them successfully is the result of months of hard work and dedication on the part of a team of highly skilled Met detectives, supported by colleagues from the National Crime Agency and Border Force. We are committed to bringing organised crime groups to justice and making London safer.”
During the court proceedings, evidence was presented detailing the routes taken by members of the group, including Thompson, who was observed picking up MDMA batches from France. Investigators utilized a data-led approach to gather phone evidence, revealing the intricate organization of drug deliveries orchestrated by the group.
The successful disruption of this drug smuggling network underscores the relentless efforts of law enforcement agencies to combat organized crime and safeguard communities from the harmful effects of illegal drugs.
