Plans to conceal drugs within crates of fruit were found on phones linked to a Dubai based drug dealer who coordinated the importation of cocaine into the UK.
Ben Sullivan has now been sentenced to more than 10 years’ imprisonment for his role in orchestrating a criminal network with links to the Isle of Sheppey in Kent.
Sullivan was arrested at Stansted airport in December 2024, as part of an investigation by the Eastern Region Special Operations Unit (ERSOU). He had been attempting to board a flight to Dubai, a country he considered a safe haven from where he could arrange the delivery of drugs into the UK and its distribution into supply chains across the south east of England.
Investigating ERSOU officers linked Sullivan to an address in Minster-on-Sea, where just months before (in May) a search warrant led to the seizure of more than 650 grams of high purity cocaine. Further evidence was recovered from mobile phones at the address, as well as devices confiscated from Sullivan when he was arrested. Messages attributed to him included instructions to other members of the organised crime group (OCG) to perform quality control and split and weigh the drugs for collection and delivery. Some of the messages were contained in encrypted apps and included details of how cocaine would be imported within crates of fruit.
Sullivan, 32, formerly from Minster-on-Sea was charged with conspiracy to supply cocaine. He pleaded guilty at Maidstone Crown Court and on 15 December 2025 was sentenced to 10 years and six months’ imprisonment. The court heard Sullivan occupied ‘a leading role’ in the conspiracy and he will have to serve at least two thirds of the sentence before he can apply for parole.
Criminal proceedings remain active involving several other suspects.
Leading the investigation was DC Caroline Mellowship, who said:
“Our investigation uncovered evidence that Sullivan was heavily involved in the importation and distribution of drugs from Jamacia, Mexico and Costa Rica, hidden in fruit consignments and paid in crypto currency. The supply chains were largely operated from Dubai, where Sullivan assumed he would be safe from prosecution or extradition.
“Content on his phones showed that when he did return home, he would take meticulous steps to enter the UK undetected, with access to false travel documents and identification. Rest assured, we will now be using the Proceeds of Crime Act to seek to recover cash and any other assets acquired, as a result of Sullivan’s criminal activity.”