Overview

• The National Crime Agency and Border Force intercepted 2.3 tonnes of cocaine concealed in banana shipments at Portsmouth, destined for a London warehouse.
• Petko Zhutev, along with four accomplices, used the guise of a legitimate fruit import business to facilitate the smuggling operation.
• The operation was thwarted by undercover officers posing as lorry drivers, who delivered dummy crates to the gang's warehouse.
• The Old Bailey trial concluded with the conviction of all five men for drug importation, with Zhutev also admitting to the charges after a retrial.
• The cocaine, valued at £200 million, was intended for distribution across the UK, highlighting the ongoing battle against organized crime networks.