International drug network dismantled: over 4.5 tonnes of cocaine smuggled into the United Kingdom

Fifteen men involved in a network that brought huge quantities of cocaine into the United Kingdom have been sentenced to prison. West Yorkshire Police estimate that the group transported more than 4.5 tonnes of drugs over 18 months, with a market value of between £400 million and £1.4 billion.

The cocaine originated in South America and was hidden in wheels of Gouda cheese, then in containers of chocolate spread and in frozen fish. The shipment was collected from logistics centres and transported to several industrial locations, from where it was distributed through a network of couriers.

The investigation began after drugs worth £2 million were seized in Leeds in January 2023. So far, the convicted individuals have received sentences totalling 196 years in prison, while three defendants are due to be sentenced later.