In a case that reads like a crime thriller, a 63-year-old man from Kent has been sentenced to eight years in prison for his role in a sophisticated cocaine smuggling operation. David Jackson, who relied on a mobility scooter, was found guilty of attempting to import £1 million worth of high-purity cocaine from the Netherlands.
The shocking plot unravelled when National Crime Agency (NCA) investigators intercepted a delivery of industrial machinery at the Port of Rotterdam in October 2022. Hidden within a consignment of hydraulic presses was approximately 10 kilograms of cocaine with a staggering 85% purity.
The Controlled Delivery
In a carefully orchestrated sting operation, Dutch authorities replaced the illicit substance with a harmless powder and tracked the shipment as it continued its journey to England. The machinery was delivered to an industrial unit in Aylesford, Kent, where Jackson was captured on CCTV taking delivery while using his mobility scooter.
NCA branch commander Mark Howes described the operation: "This was a significant seizure of class A drugs that were destined for the streets of the UK. Jackson played a key role in this criminal enterprise, despite attempting to use his mobility issues as a cover for his activities."
The Investigation Unfolds
Investigators observed Jackson over several days as he visited the unit and communicated with his criminal associates. When police finally moved in to arrest him, they discovered he was involved in unloading the heavy machinery—a task seemingly at odds with his claimed mobility issues.
During the trial at Canterbury Crown Court, the prosecution presented compelling evidence including:
- CCTV footage of Jackson at the industrial unit
- Phone evidence linking him to Dutch criminal contacts
- Financial records suggesting payment for his involvement
- Testimony from undercover officers involved in the operation
Sentencing and Impact
Judge Simon James delivered the eight-year sentence, noting the sophistication of the operation and Jackson's willing participation. The seizure prevented significant harm to communities across Kent and beyond, disrupting the supply chain of a major criminal network.
This case highlights the increasingly inventive methods employed by drug traffickers and the sophisticated techniques used by law enforcement to combat them. The NCA continues to work with international partners to tackle organised crime groups operating across borders.
