A man working as a courier for an organised crime group (OCG) has been sentenced to three years and nine months in prison after being caught transporting £2.1 million worth of cannabis hidden inside a lorry.

Kirk Hackett, 30, from Dungannon, Northern Ireland, was stopped by South Yorkshire Police on 3 May 2024 while driving on the A1 near Doncaster. The bust was part of a wider investigation led by the National Crime Agency (NCA) into a Northern Ireland-based drug smuggling operation.

Sophisticated Smuggling Attempt Foiled

Hackett had travelled from Larne port to Cairnryan, then on to Sheffield, where he collected 70 kilos of cannabis. The drugs were hidden in a false floor compartment within the trailer of his lorry—known as a coil well, typically used for transporting cylindrical cargo.

In an attempt to mask the illegal load, Hackett had prepared a cover shipment of animal feed and was planning to return to Northern Ireland. However, acting on intelligence gathered by the NCA, South Yorkshire officers intercepted the vehicle.

A detailed search uncovered not only the cannabis but also drills, metal screws, and tools used to build the hidden compartment, along with six fake number plates and a forged insurance certificate.

Guilty Plea and Sentencing

Hackett pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply a Class B drug at Sheffield Crown Court on 24 October 2024. He was sentenced today, 10 April 2025, receiving three years and nine months in prison.

NCA Branch Commander David Cunningham hailed the case as a success in the fight against organised crime:

“Kirk Hackett was a trusted member of this organised crime group profiting from smuggling drugs that would have ended up on the streets of Northern Ireland. His elaborate concealment methods were no match for the dedicated investigative work of the NCA and our law enforcement partners.”

The lorry Hackett used was linked to a haulier in Northern Ireland, connecting the operation to a wider criminal syndicate under active investigation.

Public Reaction and Broader Impact

The sentencing has drawn attention online, with one user on X posting:

“Another win for the NCA—shows how deep these networks run.”
Another commented: “Good to see drugs off our streets, but how many more are slipping through?”

This case comes amid growing public concern over drug trafficking in the UK. According to Home Office data from 2023, cannabis remains the most commonly seized substance, with seizures up 15% year-on-year. The UK classifies cannabis as a Class B drug, with heavy penalties for possession and supply.

A Wider Fight Against Organised Crime

Hackett’s arrest forms just one part of the NCA’s ongoing efforts to dismantle organised crime networks. The agency believes such groups are using legitimate freight channels to move illegal goods. A 2024 National Police Chiefs’ Council report warned that haulage routes are frequently exploited due to their scale and perceived legitimacy.

Interpol has also flagged road freight as a preferred smuggling method across Europe, citing its low-risk, high-reward nature for OCGs.

What Happens Next?

Hackett’s imprisonment deals a significant blow to the OCG he was working for, but authorities say the fight is far from over.

“We have disrupted the activities of this OCG, denying them profits which would be used to commit further acts of serious and organised crime,” said Commander Cunningham. “The NCA will continue to pursue these gangs who prey on our communities and cause harm to society.”

For now, Hackett is behind bars—but the broader investigation into cross-border smuggling continues.