An individual known as ‘King’ within UPS, sentenced to 12 years in prison, acted as a key player in a £10 million cocaine trafficking ring.
Zak Archbold, aged 30, leveraged his position as a supervisor at the UPS facility in Stanford-le-Hope, Essex, to facilitate the entry of numerous parcels containing class A narcotics into the UK from the Netherlands.
At Southwark Crown Court, it was revealed that Archbold exploited his authority to ensure the safe passage of drug shipments through customs undetected, directing them to the appropriate truck for collection by a fellow gang member.
Following his trial, Archbold was convicted of unlawfully aiding the importation of 290 kilos of cocaine, leading to a 12-year imprisonment term imposed by Judge Nathaniel Rudolf KC.
Co-conspirator Steven Bullen, aged 51, confessed to involvement in schemes to traffic a total of 790 kilos of cocaine, as well as separate plots to distribute 242 kilos of MDMA and 114 kilos of amphetamine, orchestrating operations from his residence in Spain.
On the same day, Bullen received a sentence of 16 years and four months behind bars.
Judge Rudolf remarked that Archbold joined the criminal enterprise due to financial difficulties, but then actively participated in the illegal activities.
Bullen held a prominent position within the drug syndicate, overseeing operations where a designated driver was nicknamed the “B52 bomber,” cars were equipped with hidden compartments for transporting illicit goods, and substantial quantities of drugs worth millions were distributed.
“Engaging in high-level criminal activities involving such large quantities of drugs carries inherent risks and rewards,” Judge Rudolf stated. “The allure is financial gain, while the consequence is prosecution and conviction. Both of you knowingly chose this path and must bear the repercussions.”
Gemma Vincent, representing the Crown Prosecution Service, emphasized Bullen’s responsibility for overseeing a vast volume of drug smuggling into the UK, highlighting collaborative efforts with international law enforcement agencies to bring him to justice.
“Zak Archbold misused his position at a reputable courier company to facilitate the importation of cocaine from Europe into the UK,” Vincent stated.
“Their convictions were made possible through joint endeavors of prosecutors across the UK, Spain, and France, along with law enforcement agencies in Spain and the NCA.
“Moving forward, we aim to seize their illicit proceeds, hoping these sentences act as a deterrent to potential offenders.
“The detrimental impact of drugs on society necessitates continued cross-border cooperation to prosecute those seeking to inundate our streets for personal gain.”
The disruption of illegal drug operations occurred in 2020 when authorities gained access to the secure EncroChat messaging system, utilized by criminal organizations globally to coordinate criminal activities.
The drug trafficking group utilized aliases such as “Veggie Kray,” “Ghost,” and “Cuddly Bandit” on EncroChat, believing their communications were secure, with Archbold identified as “King.”
Although Archbold denied being “King” during the trial, incriminating messages to a driver regarding a side scheme targeting UPS customers exposed his involvement in the drug trafficking network.
Judge Rudolf acknowledged Archbold’s naivety when joining the drug importation scheme.
Bullen was subjected to a serious crime prevention order by the judge.
Both defendants were found guilty of conspiracy to import cocaine, with Bullen also admitting to conspiracies involving the supply of cocaine, MDMA, and amphetamine production.
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