United Kingdom - June 24, 2024

In a significant blow to drug trafficking networks, Bruce Knowles, 55, from Dereham, and Ferhat Gumrukguoglu, 31, from the Netherlands, have been convicted for their roles in attempting to import 350 kilograms of cocaine into the UK. The duo's audacious plan was thwarted when their vessel was intercepted by Border Force near East Benacre Broads in Suffolk, leading to a dramatic chase and their eventual arrest.

The incident unfolded on June 24 when the rigid-hulled inflatable boat (RHIB) carrying the drugs was spotted by authorities. As the Border Force cutter approached, the situation escalated. Gumrukguoglu attempted to evade capture by jumping into the sea and swimming towards the beach, while Knowles, in a bid to escape, restarted the boat's engines.

Despite Knowles' efforts to flee, the RHIB was soon grounded on the beach, forcing him to abandon ship. Officers from Norfolk and Suffolk Police were quick to pursue Gumrukguoglu, who had managed to reach land and was apprehended later in Wrentham, Norfolk.

The seized RHIB, towed to Lowestoft harbour, revealed a staggering haul of cocaine hidden beneath tarpaulin, with an estimated street value of £39 million. This seizure represents one of the largest drug busts in recent times, highlighting the scale of the operation these men were involved in.

Both Knowles and Gumrukguoglu, believed to have been part of a larger organized crime group, were charged with importing a controlled drug. They pleaded guilty at Ipswich Crown Court on August 20, acknowledging their roles in what was intended to be a major drug importation.

NCA Branch Commander Lydia Bloomfield emphasized the impact of this seizure, stating, "Knowles and Gumrukguoglu knew they were going to lose a huge quantity of drugs when they were intercepted at sea. Thanks to the work of our Border Force and Joint Maritime Security Centre partners, a very significant amount of class A drugs have been removed from the criminal marketplace."

Border Force Deputy Director Sally Hawkyard also praised the efforts of her team, "Our Border Force Officers played a pivotal role in detecting and seizing millions of pounds worth of cocaine, ensuring these two men were brought to justice. We remain committed to stopping illegal drugs from entering the country."