Five men charged after £34m cocaine bust
SuppliedFive men have been charged after an estimated 425kg (936 lbs) of cocaine was seized in East Sussex.
Alan Colquhoun, 49, Jacob Cronin, 31, William Donohoe, 38, Daniel Ruffell, 35, and Ian Smith, 49, were all charged with conspiring to fraudulently evade a prohibition on the importation of a class A drug.
The National Crime Agency (NCA) said it found £34 million worth of cocaine at Eastbourne's Sovereign Harbour on Monday in what it called a "sea-smuggling attempt".
The drugs were brought in on a New Horizon fishing vessel following collection in the English Channel, it added.
A large number of officers were seen boarding a boat in the marina on Monday.
NCANone of the five, from Scotland and Eastbourne, have entered a plea.
The men - who have all been remanded in custody - are set to next appear at Lewes Crown Court on 8 July.
Carl Barrass, NCA senior investigating officer, said "combating the threat of Class A drugs is a priority".
"We will continue to work with partners at home and abroad to protect the public," he continued.
Follow BBC Sussex on Facebook, X, and Instagram and listen to BBC Radio Sussex on Sounds. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.
