Two Swansea men have been charged with drug offences after a fishing boat suspected of carrying around a tonne of Class A drugs was intercepted off the coast of southern England. Border Force officers seized the vessel near Newquay in Cornwall on Friday. The National Crime Agency (NCA) is leading the investigation and has arrested four men in connection with the discovery of “approximately one tonne of cocaine” on board the boat. The four men, including the two from Swansea, were later charged and remanded in custody, with a court appearance scheduled for Monday.
The NCA spokesperson stated, “Four men have been charged with drugs offences after Border Force officers intercepted a fishing boat carrying approximately one tonne of cocaine off the coast of Newquay, Cornwall. The men were aboard the vessel when it was stopped by officers on Friday afternoon. Jon Paul Williams, 46, of St Thomas, Swansea, Patrick Godfrey, 30, of Port Tennant, Swansea, Michael Kelly, 45, of Portway, Manchester, and Jake Marchant, 26, of no fixed address, were all charged with importation of a controlled Class A drug. All four men have been remanded in custody to appear at Bodmin Magistrates’ Court on 16 September 2024.”
The discovery of the drugs onboard the fishing boat has raised concerns about the extent of drug trafficking operations in the region. Authorities are continuing their investigations to uncover the full scope of the illicit activities and individuals involved. The seriousness of the charges against the suspects highlights the ongoing efforts to combat drug smuggling and related criminal activities in the UK.
The incident serves as a reminder of the constant vigilance and collaborative work of law enforcement agencies to disrupt and dismantle drug trafficking networks. The cooperation between Border Force officers, the NCA, and other authorities has proven instrumental in preventing illegal substances from reaching the streets and causing harm to communities. The successful interception of the fishing boat underscores the dedication and diligence of those working to uphold the law and ensure the safety and security of the public.