Two deny pounds 15m cocaine plot
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.PERUVIAN cocaine with a street value of more than pounds 15m was smuggled into Britain hidden in sacks of roasted coffee beans, an Old Bailey jury was told yesterday.
The cargo was shipped into Liverpool in April last year in a container on board a ship called the Andes, Seddon Cripps, for the prosecution, said. Customs officers opened the container and X-rayed the 420 coffee sacks - revealing that 48 of them contained packages of cocaine. Officers resealed the container and allowed it to continue its journey to a warehouse in Acton, west London, where it was received by Americo Espejo, 29, a Peruvian, the court was told.
Mr Cripps told the jury that a camera and tape recorder had been hidden in the warehouse, and Customs officers watched as Mr Espejo - who was joined by Jesus Caruz, 41, a fellow Peruvian - began opening the sacks and removing the 97 packages of high- quality cocaine.
Both men deny smuggling the drug. The trial continues today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments