Working Conditions Aboard the Cool-Express

In a dramatic operation on October 15, 2023, divers uncovered a staggering haul of cocaine worth approximately £10 million, weighing 137kg, beneath the hull of the 'Cool Express' in Sheerness. The drugs, cleverly concealed in four large holdalls within the ship's sea chest, were reportedly intended for the Netherlands. A specialized diving unit from the Metropolitan Police spent five painstaking hours retrieving the narcotics, which were secured behind bolted grates in challenging underwater conditions. They received crucial support from the Border Force National Deep Search Team throughout the operation. Once processed and sold, this quantity of Class A drugs could have exceeded a UK street value of £10 million, posing a significant threat to communities due to the violent gang control over such substances. This operation marks one of the rare occasions in the UK where Class A drugs have been found underwater, the last incident occurring in November 2021 in Bristol when 46 kilos were seized. The meticulously coordinated diving search was essential to ensure a safe and effective recovery, with teams overcoming obstacles such as low visibility, tidal movements, and water depth. As the divers surfaced, shore teams sprang into action to secure and conceal the Class A drugs, successfully preventing a large quantity from reaching its final destination. This operation stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts aimed at combating drug trafficking and safeguarding communities from the influence of organized crime.