Drug Duo Jailed After Border Force Seize Five Kilos of Cocaine
Two men have landed heavy jail sentences after trying to smuggle five kilograms of cocaine through London Gateway Parcel Hub. The National Crime Agency (NCA) busted Arron James Collins, 35, and Bertram Jack Fallon, 31, using encrypted apps to organise the huge drugs haul.
Encrypted Chats Exposed Drug Plot
Collins and Fallon used EncroChat and Wickr to plan the import of the cocaine, which was intercepted by Border Force officers in January last year. Evidence piling up from undercover investigations and seized messages led to their arrests and court case.
Bristol Hideout and Failed Cover-Up
Collins booked an Airbnb in Bristol to wait for the stash between 14 and 18 January 2020. When the shipment didn’t arrive, he kept chasing the letting agency—long after he’d left—exposing his desperation.
Fallon was spotted driving by the Airbnb address on the delivery day, raising suspicions. Both men were arrested soon after. Police found mini-scales with traces of cocaine and ketamine at Collins’ home.
Sentences and Police Warning
- Collins was sentenced to nine years and five months for conspiracy to import cocaine.
- Fallon got six years and six months for conspiracy and for refusing to hand over phone PINs.
“These men thought encrypted messaging meant they could act with impunity,” said NCA Operations Manager Anthony Hubbard. “But we will always find and prosecute those behind the drug trade, which fuels violence and exploitation across the UK.”
