Seven Men Caught After Dramatic £18.4m Cocaine Chase off Cornwall
High-Speed Sea Pursuit Ends with Massive Drug Haul
Seven men have been convicted of importing Class A drugs after a nail-biting 28-mile sea chase off the Cornwall coast. Border Force officers spotted a suspicious rigid-hulled inflatable boat (RHIB) near Newquay on 13 September 2024. Suspecting it had picked up drugs from a larger vessel, officers gave chase.
The suspects — Peter Williams (43) and Scott Johnston (38) from Havant, and Edwin Yahir Tabora Baca (33) from Barcelona — led police on a high-speed pursuit ending when their boat ran aground on Gwynver Beach, Penzance. During the chase, officers witnessed the suspects throwing packages overboard. These packages were later recovered, revealing around 230kg of high-purity cocaine worth a staggering £18.4 million.
Network Busted Through Phones and Surveillance
National Crime Agency (NCA) investigations uncovered a wider smuggling ring involving:
- Alex Fowlie (35), who bought the RHIB and was overheard planning “zero risk” one-tonne smuggling operations via voice notes.
- Bobbie Pearce (29) and Michael May (47), both from Brentwood.
- Terry Willis (44) from chelmsford/" title="Chelmsford" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked">Chelmsford, found with a loaded revolver and ammunition.
The gang coordinated the drug drop on land, waiting along the Cornish coast to receive the RHIB’s cargo.
Guilty Pleas and Court Verdicts
Five men pleaded guilty before trial, including Tabora Baca whose “fishing trip” defence collapsed after evidence showed him photographing the cocaine onboard. Terry Willis also admitted to money laundering and firearms charges following the discovery of a loaded revolver at his home.
Scott Johnston and Michael May denied the charges but were found guilty of conspiracy to import Class A drugs after a two-week trial at Truro Crown Court. All seven are now in custody and face sentencing on 1 August 2025.
Officials Praise Border Force and NCA Efforts
Barry Vinall, Senior Investigating Officer for the NCA, 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.”
