Eleven people have been found guilty in connection with an operation to bring a large consignment of cocaine into the UK that was dropped into the sea off the Isle of Wight, the National Crime Agency (NCA) has confirmed. The case was heard at Portsmouth Crown Court, where jurors returned guilty verdicts against a number of defendants this week.
How the operation unfolded
Prosecutors say the drugs — a consignment totalling about 500kg and valued at roughly £40 million — were released into the water approximately 40 nautical miles south of the Needles by a crew on a container vessel. The waterproofed packages were equipped with tracking devices.
On 17 August 2024 a man sailed from Haslar Marina, Portsmouth, into international waters off the Isle of Wight intending to recover the shipment. That attempt, by David Paterson, did not succeed. A second attempt the following day, launched from Eastbourne Harbour, resulted in a successful retrieval by Adil Nolan, according to the NCA.
Convictions and pleas
Three defendants were convicted of conspiring to smuggle cocaine following a trial. Others admitted their involvement before the trial, and several were convicted of assisting an organised crime group. Sentencing has been scheduled for November.
- Convicted after trial: Daniel Jamieson (Essex); Lewis Watts (Essex); David Paterson (Aberdeen-area).
- Previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy: Sam Brown; Harry Kennedy; Adil Nolan.
- Pleaded guilty to assisting an organised crime group: Roy Harmer; Neil Pinchbeck; Thomas Stewart; Ricky Platt.
- Found not guilty of conspiracy but guilty of assisting: Charlotte Blenman.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Estimated street value | £40m |
| Weight of drugs | 500kg |
| Drop location | About 40 nautical miles south of the Needles (Isle of Wight) |
| Departure points | Haslar Marina (Portsmouth) and Eastbourne Harbour |
Local implications and policing response
The case underlines the use of the Solent and surrounding waters as a route exploited by organised criminal groups. The involvement of a vessel leaving from Haslar Marina will be of concern locally, prompting questions about maritime security and surveillance in the area. The NCA led the investigation and has emphasised the cross-border and maritime nature of the plot.
Those convicted face sentencing later in the year. The court heard evidence that waterproofed bundles carrying the drug were fitted with tracking devices and released from a container ship, then collected by smaller craft or private boats used by the conspirators.
Further details of the sentences will be reported after the November hearing. The NCA continues to work with policing partners to target organised crime groups operating in and around the south coast.
