Four men have been arrested by the National Crime Agency (NCA) following the seizure of several hundred kilograms of suspected cocaine from a boat in Somerset.
The arrests took place in the early hours of Thursday, July 31, in Watchet. The suspects include two UK nationals, an Albanian national, and a Greek national, aged between 30 and 50. They are suspected of importing drugs into the country.
Authorities believe the group used a high-powered rigid hulled inflatable boat (RHIB) to venture offshore, where a cargo vessel allegedly dropped off packages of the illicit substance. The men are thought to have picked up the drugs to bring them ashore for further distribution.
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The NCA is actively investigating possible connections to cargo vessels in the area during the incident. The four men remain in custody and are being questioned by NCA officers.
Gavin Webb, the NCA’s Regional Head of Investigations, emphasized the urgency and intelligence-led nature of the inquiry. He stated, “This is a fast-moving investigation supported by our partners including Border Force, South West Regional Organised Crime Unit, Avon and Somerset Police, and Devon and Cornwall Police. The NCA prioritizes tackling at-sea drug drop-offs to protect the public and prevent illegal drugs from reaching the UK.”
The investigation continues as authorities work to dismantle drug trafficking operations exploiting maritime routes.