A truck loaded with clothing from Skims turned into the center of a massive drug bust after authorities discovered millions of dollars’ worth of cocaine hidden inside a secret compartment.
Polish truck driver Jakub Jan Konkel was sentenced Monday to 13 years and six months behind bars after admitting to smuggling nearly 200 pounds of cocaine into England, according to the United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency.
Investigators said the 40-year-old was transporting 28 pallets of legitimate Skims merchandise from the Netherlands when he arrived by ferry at the Port of Harwich in Essex last September.
The New York Post reported that Border Force officers became suspicious and subjected the truck to an X-ray inspection.
That search allegedly uncovered a concealed compartment built into the rear doors of the truck where Konkel had hidden 90 tightly wrapped packages of cocaine.
Authorities estimated the drugs had a street value of roughly $8.4 million.
Officials said the shipment of clothing itself was completely legitimate and stressed that neither the exporter nor the importer of the Skims products was involved in the drug operation.
According to investigators, Konkel picked up the cocaine during a stop made along the route before sneaking the packages into the modified compartment.
At first, Konkel denied knowing anything about the narcotics hidden in his vehicle.
He later admitted that he had agreed to transport the drugs in exchange for 4,500 Euros, which is equal to roughly $5,276.
The case drew additional attention because the truck was carrying merchandise from the shapewear company founded by Kim Kardashian.
Border Force officials praised the seizure, saying it prevented a huge quantity of drugs from reaching communities across the country.
“These drugs destroy lives and inflict misery on our communities,” Border Force Assistant Director Jason Thorn said in a statement.
“This significant interception is testament to the brilliant work of Border Force, depriving criminal networks of millions in profit,” he added.
Authorities said the investigation highlighted the lengths traffickers are willing to go to move narcotics across international borders, including hiding them among legitimate commercial shipments.
“We continue to work round the clock to relentlessly pursue criminality, protect our borders, and keep these dangerous drugs off our streets,” Thorn said.
The National Crime Agency did not indicate whether additional suspects connected to the smuggling operation had been arrested.
Konkel will now serve more than 13 years in prison following the conviction tied to the international drug trafficking scheme.
