UK Border Force Intercepts £18 Million Cocaine Shipment in dramatic high-Sea Chase
Penzance, Cornwall – August 8, 2024 – A sophisticated drug smuggling operation involving South american cartels and british criminal networks has been dismantled following a dramatic pursuit off the Cornish coast. A joint operation led by the UK Border Force and the National Crime Agency (NCA) culminated in the arrest of nine individuals and the recovery of six bundles of cocaine, valued at an estimated £18 million. The incident highlights a growing trend in drug trafficking: “at-sea drop-offs” (also known as “biases”), utilizing technology to circumvent traditional smuggling routes.
The Interception & Pursuit
On September 13, 2024, HMC Valiant, a UK Border Force patrol vessel, detected a Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat (RHIB) near the cornwall coastline. Alerted by the presence of a supporting “nurse ship” in the vicinity, officers initiated a pursuit after the RHIB rapidly accelerated in an attempt to evade capture. During the 28-mile chase, the occupants jettisoned eleven packages of cocaine, each equipped with GPS tracking devices. Border Force agents successfully recovered six of thes packages.
The pursuit concluded on Gwynver Beach, near land’s End, where the three individuals aboard the RHIB – Peter williams, 44, Scott Johnston, 38, and Edwin Yahir Tabora Baca, 33 – were apprehended while attempting to escape into the dunes.A Garmin GPS device and knives were discovered onboard the vessel, indicating pre-planning for the operation.
Operation Libellary: Unraveling the Network
The operation, dubbed “Operation Libellary,” revealed a complex network connecting international drug cartels with local criminal elements in the UK. The NCA investigation identified a diverse group of individuals involved in the scheme, ranging from a financially struggling fisherman to alleged cartel enforcers and organized crime members.
the investigation uncovered a novel smuggling tactic: transatlantic “nurse ships” are used to deploy cocaine bales into the ocean, where they are then retrieved by smaller boats operating from secluded coves and ports. This method relies heavily on GPS technology to coordinate the at-sea transfers.
key Individuals and Their Roles:
Peter Williams (44, Hampshire): A fisherman operating “Fresh from the Boat,” Williams faced financial hardship after his vessel was lost in the 2022 Storm Eunice.Port security footage revealed suspicious meetings,prompting further investigation into his involvement.
Edwin Yahir Tabora Baca (33, Colombian): Initially claiming to be a tourist, Tabora Baca’s phone records revealed his role as a security agent for a South American cartel, responsible for ensuring the cocaine reached its intended buyers.
Scott Johnston (38, hampshire): Johnston was involved in the logistical aspects of the operation. Bobbie Pearce (29), Michael May (47), and Terry Willis (44, Essex): Members of an Essex-based criminal group, this trio planned to transport the cocaine from Cornwall to eastern England for distribution.
Alex Fowlie (35): Identified as a key facilitator, Fowlie purchased the pneumatic boat used in the operation for £70,000.
Sentencing & Ongoing Legal Proceedings
On August 1, 2024, Tabora Baca, Johnston, Willis, and May were sentenced for conspiracy to import Class A drugs. Williams, Pearce, and Fowlie are scheduled to be sentenced on August 21, 2024.
The Rise of “At-Sea drop-Offs” & Future Implications
This case underscores a meaningful shift in drug trafficking methods. The use of “at-sea drop-offs” presents new challenges for law enforcement,requiring advanced surveillance technology and interagency cooperation to effectively combat. The reliance on GPS tracking also creates potential vulnerabilities that authorities can exploit.
Crucial Details Not Previously Highlighted:
The role of the “nurse ship”: While mentioned, the specific function and origin of the larger vessel used to initially deploy the cocaine remains undisclosed, suggesting ongoing investigation into the source of the drugs.
Financial motivations: The case highlights the vulnerability of individuals facing economic hardship being recruited into criminal activity.
technological sophistication: The use of GPS trackers on the cocaine packages demonstrates a level of planning and technological expertise within the trafficking network.
* Geographic significance: The Cornish coastline, with its numerous secluded coves, is emerging as a potential hotspot for this type of smuggling operation.This incident serves as a stark reminder of the evolving tactics employed by international drug cartels and the ongoing efforts of UK law enforcement to disrupt their operations. The NCA continues to investigate potential links to other criminal networks and to trace the origin of the cocaine shipment.
