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Three Men Arrested as £20m of Cocaine Seized in Kent

cocaine seizure

Serious Implications for Class A Drug Smuggling Offences.

Three men have been arrested after officers from the London Organised Crime Partnership – a joint team of the National Crime Agency (NCA) and the Metropolitan Police – seized 250kg of cocaine with an estimated street value of £20 million.

The operation, carried out in Dartford, Kent, forms part of the UK’s ongoing strategy to target organised criminal networks importing and distributing Class A drugs.

The suspects, all Albanian nationals in their 30s, remain in custody and are being questioned on suspicion of supplying and trafficking Class A substances.

Officers recovered the drugs concealed within a lorry, disrupting what law enforcement described as a “significant consignment” intended for the UK market.

Andy Tickner, from the Organised Crime Partnership, said the seizure prevented millions of pounds’ worth of cocaine from reaching UK streets – where it would have fuelled addiction and linked to further serious offending.

What Constitutes Drug Trafficking?

Under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, drug trafficking encompasses a wide range of activities including importation, production, supply, and possession with intent to supply controlled substances.

Cocaine, being a Class A drug, carries some of the most severe penalties under UK law.

To secure a conviction, prosecutors must prove both possession and intent – whether through evidence of large quantities, distribution paraphernalia, financial transactions, or communication suggesting commercial activity.

Even individuals with limited or peripheral roles in the logistics chain can face charges of conspiracy to supply or facilitate trafficking.

Sentencing Guidelines for Class A Trafficking

Convictions for trafficking or supplying Class A drugs such as cocaine carry maximum sentences of life imprisonment and unlimited fines.

The length of any custodial term depends on several key factors, including:

  • The role of the offender (e.g., organiser, courier, or peripheral participant);
  • The quantity and purity of the substance involved;
  • The level of planning and sophistication of the operation;
  • Any financial or personal gain derived from the activity;
  • The presence of links to organised crime or international networks.

According to the Sentencing Council’s guidelines, offenders acting in a leading or managerial role within a high-value operation involving hundreds of kilograms of Class A drugs can expect terms ranging from 20 years to life imprisonment.

Even those playing a lesser role – such as drivers, couriers, or facilitators – can face sentences of 10 years or more depending on their level of awareness and participation.

Ancillary Orders and Confiscation Proceedings

Drug trafficking convictions frequently lead to additional proceedings under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (POCA), allowing the court to confiscate assets believed to have been derived from criminal conduct.

This can include cash, property, vehicles, and bank accounts, often resulting in significant financial loss beyond the criminal sentence.

Where offenders cannot immediately repay the value of their benefit from crime, enforcement action can continue for years – including interest accrual and the possibility of further imprisonment for non-payment.

Early Legal Advice is Critical

For cases relating to drug offences – particularly involving Class A Drugs and in sizeable quantities – early representation is essential for anyone arrested or under investigation for drug supply or trafficking.

These are among the most serious offences in criminal law, carrying lengthy custodial sentences and lifelong consequences if convicted.

Immediate legal advice can help ensure that:

  • Police interviews are properly managed and rights are protected;
  • Evidence such as phone records, financial data or surveillance material is challenged where necessary;
  • The defendant’s role and level of knowledge are clearly distinguished from those of more culpable offenders;
  • Mitigation – such as duress, coercion, or lack of understanding – is presented effectively to reduce sentencing exposure.

Where defendants are charged as part of wider conspiracies, establishing individual responsibility and knowledge of the broader operation is critical.

The difference between being treated as an organiser or a courier can mean the difference between a few years and a life sentence.

How We Can Help

If you – or someone you know – is in need of legal representation for drug offences– call us now on 0161 477 1121 or email us.