Man who Imported Ketamine in Motorhome Jailed for 22 Years

A Barnsley man who imported 100 kilos of ketamine into the UK hidden inside a motorhome has been jailed following an investigation by the Yorkshire and Humber Regional Organised Crime Unit (YHROCU).

Russell King hid four bin bags full of the Class B drug in compartments within the Fiat motorhome before crossing the North Sea by ferry from Rotterdam to Hull on 24 August last year (2024).

A Barnsley man who imported 100 kilos of ketamine into the UK hidden inside a motorhome has been jailed following an investigation by the Yorkshire and Humber Regional Organised Crime Unit (YHROCU).

Russell King hid four bin bags full of the Class B drug in compartments within the Fiat motorhome before crossing the North Sea by ferry from Rotterdam to Hull on 24 August last year (2024).

When King arrived at his home address he was arrested by officers from the YHROCU whilst removing the drugs from the vehicle. Officers recovered 100 kilos of ketamine, with an estimated street value of £2 million, hidden inside the bin bags.

Further investigations established King’s involvement in the importation and supply of 70 kilos of cannabis on 2 July 2024.

King, aged 63, admitted offences of possession with intent to supply ketamine and supplying cannabis, conspiracy to import cannabis and ketamine, and conspiracy to supply cannabis at an earlier court hearing.

Following King’s arrest, officers from YHROCU established that King had also been instrumental in the importation of 632 kilos of ketamine into the UK during July 2023, working from mainland Europe to oversee the movement of the drugs.

In partnership with Sussex Police, the wider OCG was identified, arrested and charged. Following a six-week trial at Lewes Crown Court, King was found guilty of importing the 70 kilos of cocaine.

Appearing before Lewes Crown Court for sentencing today (8/7) King was jailed for a total of 22 years.

Speaking after the sentencing, Detective Superintendent Al Burns, of the YHROCU, said:

“This operation dismantled a significant supply chain into the UK from Europe, and I’m proud of the tireless work our officers put in to protect the public. I would like to thank them as well as partners agencies, including Sussex Police and those overseas for their work to ensure justice was done. This arrest demonstrates that no one is beyond the reach of UK law enforcement and that working together we will relentlessly pursue those that seek to benefit from international criminality.

“Putting King behind bars has not only disrupted an international trafficking route into the UK, but it’s also a stark reminder of the harm these substances cause in our communities.

“The growing use of ketamine as a recreational drug has been well-documented recently, but so have the serious dangers it poses to the health of individuals who take it. It’s wrongly perceived as a low-risk drug and has a significant impact on users.

“We remain committed to tackling the organised crime groups fuelling this trade and causing misery in our communities."