A truck driver has been sentenced to prison for smuggling £7 million worth of cocaine disguised within a shipment of Kim Kardashian’s underwear brand. Jakub Jan Konkel, aged 40, was caught at an Essex port with 28 pallets of legitimate Skims clothing from the Netherlands. The National Crime Agency uncovered 90 kilograms of cocaine hidden in 1kg packages within the truck’s modified compartment near the back doors, with an estimated street value of £7.2 million.
Upon investigation, Konkel was found to have made an undeclared 16-minute stop, suspected to be when the drugs were loaded onto the vehicle, as indicated by his tachograph data.
The legitimate clothing shipment was unaware of the illicit cargo, with neither the exporter nor importer having any knowledge of the smuggling operation. Konkel, hailing from Kartuzy in northern Poland, admitted to transporting the drugs for a payment of 4,500 euros (£3,900). He has been sentenced to 13 years in prison by Chelmsford Crown Court for drug smuggling.
Paul Orchard, NCA operations manager, emphasized that organized crime groups often utilize corrupt drivers like Konkel to transport Class A drugs within seemingly legitimate shipments. The interception of the cocaine has disrupted criminal profits and removed a crucial facilitator, Konkel, from the operation.
Border Force Assistant Director, Jason Thorn, highlighted the impact of such drug interceptions on communities, noting the importance of Border Force’s continuous efforts to combat criminal activities and safeguard the public from illicit substances.
Skims, co-founded in June 2019 by Kim Kardashian, Jens Grede, and Emma Grede, focuses on promoting body positivity and inclusivity through their clothing line. Kardashian’s inspiration for Skims stemmed from her long-standing interest in designing shapewear, leading to the brand’s recognition as one of TIME’s 100 Most Influential Companies in March 2022 and its expansion into menswear in October 2023.
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