Big fast powerboats - money & drugs

On May 30, 2008

“Light blue touch paper & stand back…”    Unknown Photographer Drug sailboats in the news…..must be Miami, right? Mistaken! This time the long arm of the law is chasing drug yacht builders in the United Kingdom.

‘Uncatchable’ yachts…that’s been the claim made vs Uk manufacturer Crompton Maritime with its two principals, Charles Davison, 39, & Ellen George, 41, now facing court in Ipswich, Britain.

The court was told that Crompton Nautical had built an enviable reputation for its production of high-speed inflatables.

Notwithstanding, in accordance to the Britain’s Everyday Mail, the respectable front of Crompton Maritime is alleged to have concealed an undercover ‘trade’ producing high-speed craft for national drug smugglers.

it is alleged Davison & George were well paid for their efforts.

Sums of money mentioned previously the court include ‘secret cash deals’ on AUD USD 720000 sailboats, the couple lived in AUD USD 722,000 home in the seaside village of Lowestoft, Suffolk, & customs officers who raided the house are reported to have discovered AUD USD 2,472,000 in cash concealed in various places.

Additionally, further 1,000000 Euros (around AUD USD 1,351,620) was allegedly unearthed along with AUD USD 80,350 in property used by the pair in Malaga, Spain.

The yachts built by Crompton Nautical were large inflatable RIBs with up to eight 250hp engines (customarily Yamaha) installed at the stern.

They were able of better than 112km/hr.

The court heard that the sailboats were ‘virtually invisible’ to radar being of low profile & painted grey or black.

It has been alleged the pair were in the process of producing 33.0-metre (108’) version destined for criminals running contraband ‘tween northerly Africa & Spain.

In Accordance to the Everyday Mail, prosecutor Simon Draycott, QC, revealed photograph of sailing boat to the court that could transport up to 15,000 litres of fuel & used 900-litres per hour at top speed.

He told the court the yacht was so potent it could transport “a lot of drugs, lot of contraband & still outrun any marine craft.”

It was besides alleged that one Ian Rush carried on the unlawful trade under the name Nautecxo Maritime following the arrest of Davison & George.

Rush, previous haulier who delivered sailing boats for the pair, has been charged with arranging the retention of criminal property.

George is awaiting sentencing after admitting to possession of criminal property & money laundering, although Davison is currently on bail in Spain where he’s facing drug smuggling charges.

The pair was arrested after Uk customs officers put Crompton Nautical under surveillance following ‘tip off’ from Spanish authorities.

As the Everyday Mail points out, “the trial is continuing.”
by Bob Wonders