Overview
- Officers from the Yorkshire and Humber Regional Organised Crime Unit working with UK Border Force intercepted 536 kilos of cocaine at London Gateway port near Thurrock, Essex, on Friday, February 13.
- The shipment was believed to be heading to Yorkshire, with an estimated street value of more than £53 million, according to officials.
- A 44-year-old man from the Goole area was arrested in Manchester in connection with the seizure and charged with conspiracy to import Class A drugs.
- He faces a separate charge over an alleged attempt to import 872 kilos of cannabis in November 2025.
- The suspect appeared at Leeds Magistrates' Court on Monday and was remanded to appear at Leeds Crown Court in March, as YHROCU said the interception significantly disrupted drug supply to the region.