UK border officials uncovered a massive drug smuggling operation during a routine inspection at the Port of Harwich in Essex. Authorities discovered approximately £7.2 million ($9.4 million) worth of cocaine hidden inside a shipping truck that was transporting legitimate shapewear and loungewear from Kim Kardashian's SKIMS brand.
Details of the Seizure
The National Crime Agency (NCA) reported that the cocaine was concealed within specially modified compartments of the truck. The driver, 40-year-old Polish national Jakub Jan Konkel, was arrested and later sentenced to 13 and a half years in prison at Chelmsford Crown Court. NCA investigators tracked Konkel's tachograph and found an undeclared 16-minute detour during his journey through Europe, which is believed to be the exact window when the illicit cargo was loaded.
No Involvement by SKIMS or Kim Kardashian
The NCA quickly clarified that neither Kim Kardashian, SKIMS, nor any of the exporters or importers had any involvement or knowledge of the smuggling attempt. The shipment of shapewear and loungewear was entirely legitimate. NCA Operations Manager Paul Orchard stated, "Organised crime groups use corrupt drivers like Konkel to move Class A drugs often hidden on entirely legitimate loads such as this. With Konkel, they've lost an important enabler."
Driver's Low Payout
Konkel confessed that he was promised a payout of just 4,500 Euros (approximately $5,243) for his role in the operation, a fraction of the $9.4 million street value of the cocaine he was hauling alongside the billionaire fashion empire's inventory.
Public Reaction
The news quickly went viral on social media, particularly in Nigeria, where users speculated about the implications. Some users suggested that lower-level individuals would ultimately take responsibility rather than powerful figures connected to large corporations. Others focused on the broader issue of international trafficking networks infiltrating commercial supply chains. The reactions highlighted growing public distrust toward wealthy celebrities and major business figures.
The NCA released images of the drugs found inside the merchandise via a social media post, further amplifying public attention surrounding the developing investigation.
