£35 Million Cocaine Haul Seized Off Sussex Coast
In a dramatic crackdown, Met officers, backed by the National Crime Agency (NCA) and Border Force, intercepted a small boat carrying 350kg of cocaine worth around £35 million on the black market.
Eastbourne Bust Stops Major Drug Import
On the night of Saturday, 18 February, detectives swooped on a Kingfisher Sports Explorer moored in Eastbourne harbour, Sussex, at about 10.15pm. The vessel was under watch following intelligence about suspicious movements in the English Channel.
Three Arrested in Crackdown on Violent Drug Gangs
Three men were arrested, charged, and denied bail on suspicion of conspiracy to import Class A drugs. Two of the suspects include a port worker. Detective Inspector Lydia Stephens of the Met’s Specialist Crime Command said:
“We are committed to addressing the impact of Class A drugs on our communities. This huge, significant shipment was destined for London’s streets via ‘city lines’ gangs, 80% of whom have violent backgrounds linked to murder. Targeting them helps protect children exploited by these gangs and reduces serious violence in the capital.”
Specialist Forces Celebrate Joint Success
Martin French, senior intelligence manager at the NCA, added:
“The NCA brought specialist capabilities to this investigation, securing this major seizure. With this cocaine off the streets, it won’t fuel the misery and chaos caused by Class A drugs in our communities.”
Thanks to close cooperation between the NCA, Metropolitan Police, and Border Force, officials continue to combat organised crime threatening the UK, both domestically and abroad.
