Authorities intercepted a shipment at Harwich port as a truck from the Netherlands carrying 28 pallets of Skims clothing and underwear was stopped, after narcotics were found concealed in the vehicle.

The drugs were hidden inside 1-kilogram packages taped to the skin of the trailer doors, with the driver, Jakub Jan Konkel, admitting to transporting them for 4,500 euros.

Konkel was later sentenced at Chelmsford Crown Court to 13 years and six months in prison for smuggling cocaine valued at about £7 million.

The Chelmsford Crown Court case was heard with sentencing announced by the National Crime Agency (NCA).

Border Force and the NCA praised the interception as a crucial step in preventing drug profits from funding crime and protecting UK communities from the harms of Class A drugs.

Border Force assistant director Jason Thorn highlighted the harm drugs cause and lauded the collaborative effort that led to the seizure.

The article sought comment from Kim Kardashian and invited Essex locals to share tips on the story.

The court proceedings culminated in a 13-year sentence for Konkel in connection with the drug trafficking operation.

Judge Richard Wilkin described Konkel’s role as significant in a large-scale operation, noting payment and intent to distribute further.

The court ordered forfeiture and destruction of the drugs, Konkel’s truck, and the mobile phone, and ordered deportation after serving the sentence.

Investigators noted a 16-minute undeclared stop on Konkel’s tachograph, which coincided with the loading of the drugs.

Authorities used X-ray screening to detect the concealed wraps; a phone found in the truck was set to wipe itself after 18 hours.