Three UK Crooks Nabbed in Huge Meth Shipment Sting
Big Meth Bust Links UK to Australia
Yvonne Stewart, 52, Kevin Filkins, 52, and Robert Hamilton, 51, were arrested yesterday morning by the Organised Crime Partnership—a joint National Crime Agency and Metropolitan Police task force. The trio stand accused of masterminding a massive methamphetamine haul sent from the UK to Australia.
How the Plot Unfolded
- Stewart, a cargo sector worker from Croydon, allegedly accepted and failed to properly check a shipment stuffed with meth before marking it as security cleared.
- Filkins reportedly visited the Croydon shipping centre on 26 June 2021 and footed the bill to send the drug-laden consignment to Australia.
- Hamilton is said to have hooked up Filkins and Stewart to coordinate the illegal transport.
Crackdown Following Australian Border Seizure
When the drugs arrived in Australia in July 2021, border officers inspected the consignment. They uncovered 24 plastic bags, each packed with a kilo of crystalline methamphetamine. Tests confirmed the deadly Class A substance, prompting the Australian Federal Police to launch a full-scale probe. Their investigation linked the shipment to an organised crime group operating multiple drug imports.
Charged and Behind Bars Soon
All three were charged last night with involvement in exporting Class A drugs. They face Croydon Magistrates Court today. Hamilton was also hit with charges for possession, intent to supply, and producing Class B drugs after cannabis plants were found at his home.
Detective Inspector Guy Carmichael said: “These drugs would have fetched around £4 million in the UK but about £16 million in Australia – nearly $28 million Aussie dollars.”
“This joint effort with Australian police has taken a major supply chain offline and removed dangerous drugs from the streets.”
AFP Detective Acting Inspector Brendon Basford added: “We spotted suspicious tracking from the UK and passed intel to the NCA. It’s great to see our info helping to nail these criminals and protect Australian communities.”
ABF Commander Susan Drennan said: “Our strong partnerships worldwide ensure tough action against drug criminals goes beyond borders.”
