In a shocking revelation that exposes the scale of Britain's drug crisis, an investigation has uncovered how sophisticated cartels are using floating warehouses - dubbed 'mother ships' - to constantly supply cocaine to the UK market while evading detection.
The Floating Drug Superhighway
These massive vessels, some weighing up to 50 tonnes, circle international waters just beyond UK jurisdiction, serving as mobile distribution hubs for narcotics. Smaller speedboats make regular runs to collect shipments under cover of darkness, exploiting gaps in maritime surveillance.
A Game of Cat and Mouse
Law enforcement sources describe an increasingly sophisticated operation where:
- Ships frequently change names and registrations
- GPS systems are routinely disabled
- Crews use encrypted communication
- Drugs are packaged in waterproof bales for easy disposal
The Scale of the Problem
Authorities estimate these floating drug depots may be responsible for up to 70% of cocaine entering Britain. The National Crime Agency reports seizures have increased by 240% since 2019, yet experts believe this represents just 10-15% of total shipments.
Why Britain?
The UK remains one of Europe's most lucrative cocaine markets, with:
- Street prices nearly double those in mainland Europe
- High purity levels (often over 60%)
- An estimated 1 million regular users
The Enforcement Challenge
Maritime law experts highlight the difficulties in intercepting these vessels:
- International waters complicate jurisdiction
- Modern ships can go weeks without refueling
- Cartels use 'lookout' vessels to monitor authorities
- Corruption in some flag states hampers investigations
As one senior investigator told us: 'It's like playing three-dimensional chess on a moving board - every time we adapt, they find new ways to stay ahead.'
