British national arrested in UAE for cocaine trafficking scheme in Brazil

Yasin Ahmed Ayyub Haji, a British national on Interpol’s red notice, has been arrested in the United Arab Emirates. He is suspected of leading an international drug trafficking scheme involving the shipment of cocaine to Europe.

The investigation by the Brazilian Federal Police centered on the discovery of 613 kilograms of cocaine hidden in a bunker in Blumenau, Santa Catarina. The drugs were found last December following 12 hours of excavation at a site belonging to a front company that officially dealt in metal alloys and aluminum parts. Authorities believe the cocaine was to be concealed within large aluminum pieces for transport.

The illicit operation allegedly involved a network of Brazilian logistics coordinators and foreign criminals, including British nationals. Another suspect, Delroy Alvin Bailey, remains at large and is also wanted by Interpol. The Brazilian Federal Police now have 30 days to formalize an extradition request to bring Haji to Brazil to face charges.