Motorhome ketamine smuggler jailed for 22 years

A man who imported 220lb (100kg) of ketamine into the UK secreted inside his motorhome has been jailed.

Russell King hid four bin bags full of the Class B drug in compartments within the Fiat vehicle before crossing the North Sea by ferry from Rotterdam to Hull last year.

Further investigations found the 63-year-old was also involved in the importation and supply of more than 150lb (70kg) of cannabis.

He was jailed for 22 years after admitting importing ketamine, conspiracy to import cannabis, ketamine and cocaine, and possession with intent to supply.

King was arrested by officers from the Yorkshire and Humber Regional Organised Crime Unit (YHROCU) in August 2024 while removing the drugs, which had an estimated street value of £2m, from his motorhome.

Investigations established that King, from Royston in Barnsley, had also been instrumental in the importation of almost 1,400lb (632kg) of ketamine into the UK during July 2023, where he worked from mainland Europe to oversee the movement of the drugs.

The YHROCU said in partnership with with Sussex Police, members of wider organised crime group were later identified and charged.

Speaking after his sentencing at Lewes Crown Court on Tuesday, Det Supt Al Burns, of the YHROCU, said the operation "dismantled a significant supply chain into the UK from Europe."

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