Organised crime group jailed for over 100 years for £40m cocaine smuggling

Eleven men have been sentenced to more than 100 years in prison for their involvement in a plot to smuggle 500kg of cocaine into the UK. The organised crime group arranged for the drugs, valued at £40 million, to be dropped at sea and subsequently recovered near Medmerry Beach in West Sussex. The sentences were handed down at Portsmouth Crown Court on 6 November 2026.

National Crime Agency officers intercepted the group on 19 August 2024 as they brought 16 bales of cocaine, with an approximate purity of 85%, ashore. It is believed the consignment was dropped into the ocean a few days prior by an accomplice crew aboard a container ship, approximately 40 nautical miles south of the Needles. The waterproof bundles containing the drugs were fitted with GPS trackers.

Sentences for key figures

Daniel Jamieson, 41, identified as an OCG boss, was sentenced to 22 years in jail after being convicted at trial of conspiring to smuggle cocaine. He used a false name to purchase a maritime business to acquire a Rigid Hulled Inflatable Boat, the 'Amma Sigga', for drug recovery. Sam Brown, 33, the other OCG boss, received a sentence of 16 years and six months after admitting the same charge. Brown played a significant role in recruiting others for the operation.

Carl Powner, 62, a key offender in the group, was sentenced to 13 years. He was responsible for recruiting drivers, purchasing equipment, and sailing the 'Amma Sigga' to retrieve the drugs. Powner had fled abroad but was arrested in Romania in May 2026 and extradited to face justice.

Adil Nolan, 40, who recovered the drugs from the sea with Powner, admitted conspiracy to smuggle cocaine and was sentenced to 11 years and three months. David Paterson, 49, an oil rig worker, was jailed for 14 years after being convicted of conspiracy to smuggle cocaine. He had attempted to recover the drugs earlier but failed to locate them due to tracker issues.

Role of go-between and landing party

Lewis Watts, 37, described as Jamieson’s right-hand man, was jailed for 14 years. He was instrumental in the conspiracy, managing a prepaid credit card for funding, sourcing landing locations, purchasing equipment, and acting as a go-between for conspirators. He was convicted at trial of conspiracy to smuggle cocaine.

Five individuals were part of the landing party on Medmerry Beach and were convicted of assisting an organised crime group. Charlotte Blenman, 34, received a 20-month sentence, suspended for two years. Roy Harmer, 46, Neil Pinchbeck, 43, Thomas Stewart, 40, and Ricky Platt, 49, were each sentenced to 20 months in jail.

Jules Harriman, NCA senior investigating officer, stated that the main players face lengthy prison terms. He added that the seizure of the drugs and profits would prevent further offending and that the NCA, working with partners, would continue to combat the threat of Class A drugs.

What happens next

The National Crime Agency has thanked Merseyside Police, West Mercia Police, Hampshire Police, and Sussex Police for their assistance in the investigation and subsequent prosecutions.