Six men have been arrested across England in connection with the seizure of half a tonne of cocaine, valued at £40 million, discovered on a beach in West Sussex. The arrests were part of an extensive National Crime Agency (NCA) investigation into the large-scale drug importation.
Today, a 39-year-old suspect was apprehended at Luton Airport. Earlier this week, another 39-year-old was arrested in Liverpool. On Tuesday, NCA officers also detained a 38-year-old in Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, a 45-year-old in Bournemouth, Dorset, a 41-year-old in Poole, Dorset, and a 36-year-old in Tilbury, Essex.
The investigation centers on the discovery of a rigid-hulled inflatable boat (RHIB) containing 500 kilograms of cocaine at Medmerry Beach, near Selsey, on August 19. The NCA believes the boat was used to transport the drugs into the UK.
This week’s arrests bring the total number of individuals detained in connection with the importation to 12. All of those arrested have been released on bail pending further inquiries.
The NCA’s investigation continues, with a focus on dismantling the network involved in the significant drug smuggling operation.
