A fishing vessel with a payload of Class A drugs has been intercepted by officers from the National Crime Agency, supported by the Joint Maritime Security Centre, Sussex Police and Police Scotland where a number of searches have been carried out.
Five men from Eastbourne and Scotland have appeared at Brighton & Hove Magistrates’ Court and were remanded to appear at Lewes Crown Court on 8th July.
The interception took place in Eastbourne Marina where New Horizon NN-12 had tied up with 425kg of cocaine valued at more than £34 million on board. This had been picked up in the Channel after being dropped by another vessel. Four of the men are believed to have been on board New Horizon to pick up the drugs and a fifth was arrrested with them when the boat docked.
The five men remain in custody for questioning following the operation, which was supported by the NCA’s Maritime, Aviation & Military Intervention Cell.
‘The recovery of this quantity of cocaine represents a significant loss to the organised crime group behind its importation and will impact its ability to continue operating,’ said NCA senior investigating officer Carl Barrass.
‘Combating the threat of Class A drugs is a priority for the NCA and we will continue to work with partners at home and abroad to protect the public.’
