£5 Million Cocaine Haul Busted at UK Border
Elroy Patrick Spek, 50, from the Netherlands, was caught red-handed trying to smuggle £5 million worth of cocaine into the UK. The Dutch HGV driver was stopped at the border in Coquelles, France on June 17, 2021.
Cling-Film Concealed Cocaine in HGV Trailer
Border Force officers searched Spek’s trailer and found three suspicious cardboard boxes wrapped in cling film, hidden on top of the legitimate cargo. Tests confirmed the boxes contained a huge stash of cocaine.
15 Years Behind Bars for Drug Courier
Spek denied attempting to smuggle the class A drug but was convicted at Canterbury Crown Court on March 1. He was sentenced to 15 years in prison on March 11.
“Spek acted as courier for these drugs and their loss will cause a blow to the organised crime group behind the shipment,” said NCA branch commander Mark Howes.
“This cocaine would have fuelled exploitation and violence in the UK. We will keep working with partners to tackle class A drug trafficking.”
