Polish Truck Driver Jailed for $8M Cocaine Smuggling in SKIMS Clothing Shipment
Jakub Jan Konkel, 40, has been sentenced to prison after smuggling more than $9 million worth of cocaine hidden inside a shipment of underwear and clothing from Kim Kardashian’s SKIMS brand.
Konkel, a driver from northern Poland, was stopped by Border Force officers at the Port of Harwich in Essex, England, as he arrived on a ferry with a truckload of SKIMS shapewear last September, according to authorities.
During an X-ray inspection of the vehicle, investigators discovered the truck driver had made a stop along his journey to collect 90 packages of cocaine weighing a total of 198 pounds. He later concealed the drugs in a specially modified compartment in the truck’s rear doors.
Authorities estimated the street value of the cocaine at approximately $8.4 million.
Officials also confirmed that the SKIMS shipment itself was legitimate, and neither the exporter nor the importer of the clothing was linked to the smuggling operation.
After X-ray scanning his vehicle, investigators found that the truck driver had made a stop during his journey to collect 90 packages of cocaine, weighing a total of 198 pounds.
Konkel initially denied any knowledge of the cocaine stash but later admitted he had agreed to smuggle the drugs in exchange for €4,500 (about $5,276).
“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.
“We continue to work around the clock to relentlessly pursue criminality, protect our borders, and keep these dangerous drugs off our streets.”
