By Ashley Young-
In a significant victory against organised crime, the National Crime Agency (NCA) has arrested nine suspects believed to be part of an organised crime group from the North West of England.
The arrests are linked to a massive cocaine smuggling attempt, with the consignment estimated to be worth £140 million. The NCA’s investigation into the case, which began after the discovery of 1.3 tonnes of cocaine in a shipping container at the Port of Felixstowe in Suffolk last August, showcases the agency’s commitment to thwarting major drug trafficking operations.
The Class A drugs, hidden in 20-kilo sacks disguised as flour, arrived in the UK from Sierra Leone and were destined for an industrial estate in Wigan, Lancashire.
The discovery marked a significant milestone in the fight against drug trafficking, highlighting the sophistication of organised crime groups attempting to infiltrate the UK’s borders.
Today’s coordinated strikes resulted in the arrest of nine suspects allegedly linked to the organised crime group. Six of these individuals were directly connected to the massive cocaine seizure, while three others face charges related to conspiracy to supply Class A drugs.
The suspects, aged in their forties, fifties, and sixties, were apprehended at various locations in Merseyside and Lancashire.
The NCA has emphasized the pivotal role played by the arrested individuals in the conspiracy, ranging from orchestrating the importation to organizing premises and logistics. The suspects are currently in custody, awaiting interviews, as the investigation unfolds.
Richie Davies, National Crime Agency Branch Commander, underscored the significance of the operation, stating, “This was a massive haul of cocaine with an estimated street value of £140m. There is no doubt these drugs would have been sold on into communities across the UK, fuelling violence, exploitation, and misery.”
The NCA’s relentless pursuit of those responsible for drug trafficking is evident in its post-seizure efforts. Since the discovery of the cocaine, the agency has been intensively working to identify and apprehend individuals associated with the organised crime group. Today’s arrests represent a crucial step in dismantling the network and preventing the drugs from reaching communities, thereby disrupting potential violence and harm.
This case sheds light on the prevalence and sophistication of organised crime groups involved in drug trafficking. The NCA’s success serves as a deterrent to those attempting to exploit vulnerabilities in the nation’s border security.