A truck driver in England has received a prison sentence of over 13 years for smuggling cocaine. Authorities uncovered drugs worth nearly $10 million hidden inside a shipment of Kim Kardashian’s SKIMS clothing brand.
The shipment of SKIMS was legitimate, and neither the exporter nor the importer faced any accusations. Representatives for SKIMS and Kardashian have not commented on the incident.
Jakub Jan Konkel, 40, was sentenced to 13 years and six months in prison. The United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency conducted the investigation leading to his sentencing.
On September 5, Border Force officers stopped Konkel at the Port of Harwich, Essex. He had traveled by ferry from the Hook of Holland in the Netherlands.
Konkel pleaded guilty to smuggling cocaine concealed within a shipment of SKIMS clothing. The truck carried 28 pallets of clothing when officers discovered a concealed compartment in the trailer doors. This compartment contained 90 packages of cocaine with an estimated street value of $9.6 million.
Authorities note that trafficking groups often hide drugs in legitimate shipments to escape detection. NCA Operations Manager Paul Orchard said organized crime groups employ corrupt drivers like Konkel to transport Class A drugs in legitimate shipments.
Investigators observed an unexplained 16-minute stop by Konkel’s vehicle before it reached the port. Authorities believe drugs were loaded during this time, with only Konkel and the smuggling group knowing about the operation.
Initially, Konkel denied knowledge of the cocaine but later admitted to agreeing to transport the drugs for €4,500, approximately $5,200.
Orchard stated that the seizure removed a significant amount of cocaine and disrupted the smuggling group’s plans. Border Force Assistant Director Jason Thorn added that the bust deprived criminal networks of millions in profits.
Thorn emphasized, “These drugs destroy lives and inflict misery on our communities.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report. Brittany Miller is a Breaking News Writer for Fox News Digital. Contact Brittany at [email protected] or @BrittMillerFox on X.