Law enforcement officers dealt a significant blow to drug traffickers at London Gateway port near Thurrock, Essex. On Friday, 13 February, a joint operation by the Yorkshire and Humber Regional Organised Crime Unit (YHROCU) and the UK Border Force resulted in the seizure of 536kg of cocaine valued at more than £53 million.
A 44-year-old man from Goole was arrested in Manchester in connection with the large cocaine haul. He faces conspiracy charges to import Class A drugs. Additionally, he is charged with plotting to import 872kg of cannabis in a separate case dating back to November 2025.
The suspect appeared before magistrates in Leeds and was remanded in custody ahead of a Crown Court hearing scheduled for March.
Ramona Senior, head of YHROCU, praised the collaborative effort, stating: “By working in partnership with the UK Border Force, we have made a significant disruption to the supply of harmful drugs coming into Yorkshire and the Humber.”
This major bust sends a clear message that UK law enforcement agencies are intensifying their crackdown on drug crime and are determined to prevent traffickers from operating with impunity.
Originally published by UKNIP.
