Five men have been charged in relation to an at-sea cocaine smuggling attempt, following a National Crime Agency investigation.

NCA officers seized 425kg of the Class A drug worth £34m on Monday afternoon. The drugs were brought into Eastbourne Marina on the New Horizon fishing vessel following collection in the English Channel.

Today (Wednesday), five men appeared at Brighton & Hove Magistrates’ Court and were remanded to appear at Lewes Crown Court on 8 July.

The following are charged with conspiring to fraudulently evade a prohibition on the importation of a Class A drug:

• Alan John Colquhoun, 49, of Oberon, Alloa, Clackmannanshire.
• William Donohoe, 38, of Sycamore Drive, Craigneuk, Airdrie.
• Ian Smith, 49, of New College Close, Eastbourne, East Sussex.
• Jacob Cronin, 31, of Elgar Way, Eastbourne, East Sussex.
• Daniel Ruffell, 35, of Humber Way, Slough, Berkshire

10 June 2026

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Five men are in custody and more than £30m of cocaine has been recovered following a National Crime Agency investigation.

NCA officers struck shortly after 1300 yesterday (Monday) arresting the suspects at Eastbourne Marina and seizing 425kg of the Class A drug which has a street value of £34m.

It is alleged four of the men had returned to shore on the fishing vessel New Horizon after collecting the drugs which had been dropped in the English Channel by another vessel.

The fifth man was not on the boat and was arrested when the other four returned to harbour.

The men, aged 32 to 49, are from Scotland and Eastbourne and remain in custody for questioning following the operation, which was supported by the NCA’s Maritime, Aviation & Military Intervention Cell.

The NCA was also assisted by the Joint Maritime Security Centre, Sussex Police and Police Scotland where a number of searches have been carried out.

Carl Barrass, NCA senior investigating officer, said:

“The recovery of this quantity of cocaine represents a significant loss to the organised crime group behind its importation and will impact its ability to continue operating.

“Combating the threat of Class A drugs is a priority for the NCA and we will continue to work with partners at home and abroad to protect the public.”

9 June 2026