National Crime Agency officers investigating a plot to smuggle £18.4m-worth of cocaine into the country in an inflatable boat which Border Force officers chased 28 miles across the sea, have this morning [30 October] arrested an eighth man.

Seven men were convicted and jailed for more than 130 years in total in August and September this year, after pleading guilty to their roles in the conspiracy.

Three of the men collected cocaine at sea and were arrested on Gwynver Beach, Penzance, in September last year after their inflatable boat ran aground following an hour-long pursuit by Border Force. The remaining four men were arrested later that same year, after NCA officers identified they helped organise collection of the cocaine.

Investigators who have continued to make enquiries have this morning arrested a man in his early 50s in Cosham, Portsmouth on suspicion of conspiracy to import a Class A drug.

The man has been taken into custody at a local police station.

Officers are currently searching two addresses in connection with the investigation – one in Cosham and another in Southsea.

Senior Investigating Officer Barry Vinall, leading the NCA’s investigation, said: “Cocaine is one of the most harmful illegal drugs in the UK. The National Crime Agency and Border Force are working relentlessly to stop cocaine making it from sea to shore, and to identify every individual involved in trying to bring it into the country.”

UPDATE

National Crime Agency officers investigating a conspiracy to smuggle cocaine into the UK have charged a man they arrested on 30 October.

Patrick Tsang, 52, of Second Avenue, Cosham, Portsmouth was taken into custody at a local police station following his arrest.

He appeared at Portsmouth Magistrates’ Court on 31 October charged with conspiracy to import a Class A drug and was remanded to appear at Portsmouth Crown Court on 24 November.

Searches at an address in Cosham and another in Southsea, Portsmouth, have concluded.

30 October 2025