UK driver jailed for 13 years after $9 million SKIMS cocaine smuggling

Polish truck driver Jakub Jan Konkel was sentenced at Chelmsford Crown Court to 13 years and six months for transporting approximately 90 kg of cocaine, valued at around $9.3‑9.4 million (£7 million), hidden inside a shipment of SKIMS underwear and clothing. The cargo, consisting of 28 pallets, had arrived by ferry from the Hook of Holland to the Port of Harwich in Essex and was inspected by Border Force officials, who discovered specially built compartments in the trailer doors.

The National Crime Agency (NCA) confirmed the drugs were concealed in 90 one‑kilogram packages. Konkel admitted to moving the cocaine for a payment of about €4,500‑€5,300. NCA operations manager Paul Orchard said, “Organized crime groups use corrupt drivers like Konkel to move Class A drugs…”, and Border Force Assistant Director Jason Thorn added, “These drugs destroy lives and inflict misery on our communities.”

Authorities emphasized that the SKIMS merchandise itself was legitimate and that neither the exporter nor the importer was linked to the smuggling operation. SKIMS issued a statement denying any knowledge of the criminal activity.