In a dramatic blow to organised crime networks, the National Crime Agency has exposed a sophisticated drug smuggling operation that utilised a high-speed boat to transport cocaine worth an estimated £100 million into the United Kingdom.
The Midnight Operation
Under the cover of darkness, criminals employed a powerful 45-knot rigid-hulled inflatable boat to collect the enormous narcotics consignment from a cargo ship positioned off the British coast. The daring maritime operation was designed to evade traditional border controls and law enforcement detection methods.
International Investigation Breakthrough
The elaborate scheme began to unravel when French authorities intercepted a vehicle carrying 137kg of cocaine near Calais in October 2022. This crucial discovery triggered a complex international investigation spanning multiple jurisdictions and law enforcement agencies.
Key evidence emerged from:
- Analysis of encrypted communications between gang members
- Maritime tracking data revealing the vessel's suspicious movements
- Financial records tracing the proceeds of previous drug deals
The Convictions
Following an extensive investigation, three men have been convicted for their roles in the sophisticated trafficking operation:
- Albanian national Giovanni Gjini, 42
- British citizens John O'Flaherty, 28, and Jack O'Flaherty, 25
All three were found guilty of conspiracy to import class A drugs following a trial at Birmingham Crown Court.
Significant Seizures
The investigation led to multiple substantial drug recoveries:
- Initial seizure of 137kg cocaine in France (October 2022)
- Subsequent recovery of 50kg cocaine in the UK
- The high-speed smuggling vessel itself, now in NCA custody
NCA senior investigating officer James Muddle emphasised the significance of the operation: "This case demonstrates our determination to target organised crime groups operating across international borders. The seizure of both the drugs and the specialist vessel used to transport them represents a major disruption to criminal networks."
Ongoing Threat
Authorities have warned that criminal organisations continue to develop increasingly sophisticated methods to import illegal drugs into the UK. The use of high-speed marine vessels represents an evolving challenge for border security and law enforcement agencies.
The successful prosecution sends a clear message that international cooperation and advanced investigative techniques are proving effective in combating high-level drug trafficking operations targeting British shores.
