Archive · 2 Aug 2025
Cornwall Drug Bust: £18M Cocaine Seizure Leads to Arrests
Off the coast of Cornwall, a group of criminals tried to smuggle a lot of cocaine into the UK.
They used a special boat that dropped off the drugs for smaller boats to pick up.
But the Border Force, like the police at sea, caught them.
They chased the smugglers for a long time, and some even threw the drugs overboard.
In the end, they seized a huge amount of cocaine and arrested several people involved, including a fisherman and people who were supposed to collect and sell the drugs.
The investigation showed how these groups work together to bring drugs into the country.
An international drug smuggling network was disrupted off the coast of Cornwall.
Border Force chased a RHIB for 28 miles, resulting in the seizure of cocaine worth £18 million.
Seven men were arrested, including a fisherman and individuals linked to the drug operation.
The operation involved 'mother ships' dropping off cocaine, which smaller boats retrieved.
The investigation revealed links between the arrested individuals and the organized crime group.
- Who
- Border Force, the National Crime Agency (NCA), Peter Williams, Scott Johnston, Edwin Yahir Tabora Baca, Bobbie Pearce, Michael May, Terry Willis, and Alex Fowlie were involved.
- What
- An international drug smuggling operation involving the seizure of cocaine and the arrest of multiple individuals.
- When
- The sea chase took place last September.
- Where
- Off the coast of Cornwall, England, and on Gwynver beach.
- Why
- To smuggle and distribute cocaine within the UK.
Drug Smugglers
Law Enforcement
Motivation
Drug Smugglers
Smuggling drugs into the UK for profit.
Law Enforcement
Law enforcement's efforts to stop illegal drug trade.
- Cocaine Value
- £18 million seized
- Arrests
- Seven men
- Location of Chase
- Off Cornwall coast
- Boat Used
- RHIB
- Sentencing
- Two men sentenced to a combined 32 years