Two Men Nabbed After UK’s £20 Million Cocaine Haul
Two men have pleaded guilty to drug offences following one of the UK’s largest-ever cocaine seizures, valued at over £20 million.
Massive Cocaine Stash Found on A45
On 11 December 2019, a Met Police Specialist Crime team, aided by West Midlands Police, stopped a vehicle on the A45. Inside, officers discovered an astonishing 168kg of Class A cocaine hidden among pallets of frozen food. The haul is one of the biggest land seizures of cocaine ever seen in the UK.
Raid in Birmingham Finds More Drugs
Later the same day, officers searched a property in Olds Trading Estate Park, Hockley, Birmingham. There, they found an additional 4kg of Class A drugs – cocaine and MDMA – plus 1kg of cutting agents. Two men were arrested and charged with conspiracy to supply Class A drugs:
- Baldev Singh Sahota, 53, from Oldbury, West Midlands
- Shakti Gupta, 34, from Quinton, Birmingham
Guilty Pleas and Upcoming Sentencing
Both men pleaded guilty at Birmingham Crown Court on 9 January. Sentencing is set for 7 February at the same court.
Operation Targets Organised Crime Network
This crackdown was part of a complex operation led by the Met’s Specialist Crime Command targeting a major drug supply chain funneling cocaine to London’s streets.
“This operation has resulted in one of the largest land seizures of cocaine within the UK,” said Detective Superintendent Neil Ballard.
“The scale of this organised drug supply operation is staggering. The distribution of this cocaine would have had a devastating impact on our communities. We will continue to deal robustly with those who seek to exploit vulnerable people for financial gain.”
“This sends a clear message: we’re not just going after dealers, but dismantling the whole criminal network supplying our streets.”
Ballard also thanked West Midlands Police for their vital support during the operation.
The collaboration between Met Police, the National Crime Agency (NCA), and regional forces highlights a united front against serious organised crime. Officers vow to keep fighting drug supply chains to protect London and beyond.
