Update: two men have now been charged as part of a National Crime Agency investigation into drug smuggling.
Update: 24 October 2020
Two men have now been charged as part of a National Crime Agency investigation into drug smuggling.
Jack Bertram Fallon, 31, of Bramley Close, Olveston, Bristol, has been charged with conspiracy to import class A drugs and failure to comply with an order to provide officers with access to his phone.
Arron James Collins, 34, of Newland Walk, Withywood, Bristol has been charged with conspiracy to import class A drugs and possessing an extreme pornographic image.
Both appeared at Worle Magistrates’ court this morning [24 October] and were further remanded to appear at Bristol Crown Court on 23 November.
The NCA made the arrests on Friday [23 October] in connection with the seizure of five kilos of cocaine hidden inside boxes of whey protein powder, by Border Force officers at London Gateway Parcel Hub in January this year.
The arrests are linked to Operation Venetic – the UK investigation into the EncroChat encrypted messaging platform.
A third man, aged 33, was arrested in September in connection with the seizure and was released under investigation.
23 October 2020
Two Bristol men have been arrested in connection with the seizure of five kilos of cocaine with a street value of £400k.
National Crime Agency investigators detained the two men, aged 31 and 34, this morning (Friday 23 October). They are now being questioned on suspicion of attempting to import Class A drugs.
The cocaine – hidden inside boxes of whey protein powder – was seized by Border Force officers at London Gateway Parcel Hub in January this year.
The arrests are linked to Operation Venetic – the UK investigation into the EncroChat encrypted messaging platform.
NCA Operations Manager, Anthony Hubbard, said: “Our investigation into this seizure continues with these arrests. By working closely with our partners in Border Force, we have been able to stop these drugs from being distributed in the South West area.”
A third man, aged 33, was arrested in September in connection with the seizure and was released under investigation.
