In England, a truck driver received a prison sentence of over 13 years for smuggling nearly $10 million worth of cocaine. The drugs were hidden in a shipment of Kim Kardashian’s SKIMS clothing brand.
Authorities confirmed that the shipment of SKIMS clothing was legitimate, and both the exporter and importer faced no allegations. SKIMS and Kardashian’s representatives have not commented.
Jakub Jan Konkel, aged 40, received his sentence after a UK National Crime Agency investigation. Border Force officers stopped him on September 5 at the Port of Harwich, Essex, after arriving from the Hook of Holland, Netherlands.
Discovery of Smuggled Cocaine
Konkel was caught with 28 pallets of SKIMS clothing when officers discovered a hidden compartment in the rear trailer doors. This compartment contained 90 packages of cocaine, each weighing about a kilogram. The street value was estimated at $9.6 million.
Authorities explained that trafficking groups frequently conceal narcotics within legitimate shipments to dodge detection.
Criminal Methods and Sentence
According to NCA Operations Manager Paul Orchard, organized crime often relies on corrupt drivers, like Konkel, to transport drugs concealed in legitimate cargo.
Investigations revealed an unexplained 16-minute stop by Konkel’s vehicle before the port, indicating the likely loading point for the drugs. Initially, Konkel denied any knowledge of the cocaine but later admitted to smuggling in exchange for €4,500, approximately $5,200.
Orchard stated that authorities seized a significant cocaine quantity, disrupting the smuggling group’s efforts.
Impact of Drug Trafficking
Border Force Assistant Director Jason Thorn emphasized that the seizure took millions from criminal profits, and highlighted the destructive impact of such drugs on communities.
Brittany Miller, a Breaking News Writer for Fox News Digital, reported the story. Tips can be directed to [email protected] and @BrittMillerFox on X.