Arrests follow massive cocaine seizure
4 August 2011
An international law enforcement operation has led to the seizure of 1.2 tonnes of high-purity cocaine, and the arrest of six members of a suspected organised crime gang by Dutch authorities.
The drugs had been concealed in a 65-foot pleasure cruiser, Louise, in Venezuela, which was then transported by container ship from the British Virgin Islands to the UK en route to the Netherlands.
Acting on intelligence provided by SOCA’s international network and the French Customs Investigation Service (DNRED), UK Border Agency officers at Southampton docks found the 90 per cent-pure haul following a systematic six-day search.
The drugs, potentially worth £300m after being adulterated to standard street purity levels of 20% and under, had been packed inside a specially-prepared space deep beneath the vessel’s bathing platform.
Assisted by SOCA and UK Border Agency, a Dutch law enforcement investigation was carried out to identify the group attempting to traffick the cocaine. The six arrests were made in early morning raids on 2 August. Officers also seized two firearms, a silencer, a quantity of synthetic drugs and up to €1m in cash.
SOCA’s David Armond said:
“This seizure is a great success in the international effort to damage and disrupt the cocaine trade, and is a credit to the many nations and organisations involved.
“SOCA's ability to develop multiple strands of intelligence using our overseas liaison network was key to the discovery of the shipment. In this case our links with the French Customs Investigation Service, the British Virgin Islands Police and the Maritime Analysis and Operations Centre - Narcotics (MAOC-N), in Lisbon were crucial. The quality of that information meant that UKBA investigators could have complete confidence in conducting what proved to be an exhaustive search. It has also led to further work with our Dutch counterparts to apprehend those responsible.
“This is a hugely significant seizure for Europe. More widely, this operation clearly demonstrates the power of international law enforcement collaboration against narcotics, which MAOC-N is so instrumental in driving forward.”
Immigration Minister Damian Green said:
“This was a significant drugs seizure which was made possible by the cooperation of our international partners. UK Border Agency staff have shown vigilance, dedication and determination to uncover this shipment.
“By keeping the border secure we play a key role in stopping drugs entering the UK and in reducing the harm they do to our communities. We aim to protect society from the violence and corruption that always accompanies the trade in illegal goods.”
Wilbert Paulissen Head of the Dutch National Crime Squad said:
“This operation was successful because of persistence and patience, but above all because of excellent cooperation with other law enforcement agencies such as MAOC-N and the UK Border Agency. The operation must be seen as a victorious part of a campaign in the fight against organized crime.”
Gert Rip Public Prosecutor for the National Prosecutor's Office in The Netherlands said:
“Combating the international cocaine trade has high priority in the Netherlands. The success in doing so can for a large part be contributed to international cooperation between the various law enforcement agencies. Tackling these trans-national crimes can be done in no other way that on an international level. The seizure of 1,200 kilos of cocaine and the subsequent arrest of the suspects is a good example of this cooperation."