UK's biggest ever drugs haul: THREE TONNES of cocaine seized

 
Drugs haul: the vessel was boarded by a team from the Royal Navy frigate HMS Somerset and Border Force (Picture: Flickr/NCA)
Alexandra Rucki30 April 2015
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A boat carrying more than three tonnes of cocaine has been intercepted at sea in what is believed to be the largest class-A drug seizure in the UK.

The drugs, thought to be worth more than £500 million, were uncovered last Thursday following a joint operation involving the National Crime Agency (NCA), Border Force and the Royal Navy.

Royal Navy Frigate HMS Somerset and Border Force cutter Valiant stopped the MV Hamal about 100 miles east of Aberdeen.

It was brought to Aberdeen harbour where it was searched by specialist officers using ‘deep rummage skills’, with support from Police Scotland.

The NCA said the hail was estimated to weigh more than three tonnes and the drugs, if cut and sold in the UK, would have a street value of £500 million.

Massive discovery: the NCA believe it is the largest class-A drug seizure in the UK (Picture: Flickr/NCA)

John McGowan, NCA investigating officer, said: “The search of this vessel has been lengthy and painstaking, undertaken by hugely skilled specialists working in difficult conditions.

"The result is this massive discovery – believed to be the biggest single class A drug seizure on record in the UK, and likely to be worth several hundred million pounds.”

Intercepted: the boat was found to be carrying three tonnes of cocaine (Picture: Flickr/NCA)

The nine-man crew of the Hamal, all Turkish nationals aged between 26 and 63, have been charged with drugs offences.

Mustafa Ceviz, 54, Ibrahim Dag, 47, Mumin Sahin, 45, Muhammet Seckin, 26, Umit Colakel, 38, Kayacan Dalgakiran, 63 and Emin Ozmen, 50, all from Istanbul, were all charged with possession of a controlled drug when they appeared at Aberdeen Sheriff Court on Monday.

Abdulkadir Cirik, 31, from Mersin, and Mustafa Guven, 47, from Yozgat, also faced the same charge.

None of the men made any plea or declaration and all were remanded in custody.

Additional reporting Press Association.

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