Ryan King arrested after £11 million drug discovery

Ryan King faced charges after authorities intercepted a major drug shipment.

Liverpool man arrested after police discover £11 million drug haul

Ryan King, a 38-year-old from West Derby, was arrested at Liverpool John Lennon Airport after authorities intercepted a shipment of class A drugs worth £11 million. This operation uncovered 72 kg of cocaine and 51 kg of heroin concealed within an air compressor. The drugs had arrived from the Hook of Holland in an unmanned trailer and were discovered during routine checks by the UK Border Force. King's DNA matched the packages, leading to his arrest upon returning from Alicante in December 2022. Initially scheduled for trial at Hull Crown Court, King changed his plea to guilty, confirming his involvement with an organized crime group.

This case underlines the persistent threat of drug trafficking in the UK, highlighting both the operational efficiency of law enforcement and the complexities of modern smuggling methods. The concealment of drugs in everyday machinery illustrates how traffickers continually adapt to evade detection. The National Crime Agency's effective collaboration with the Border Force played a critical role in this investigation, ultimately disrupting a significant criminal network. It is a reminder that while successes are celebrated, the fight against organized crime is ongoing.

Highlights

As the investigation continues, authorities remain vigilant against future smuggling attempts.