Durham Man Jailed for Smuggling £5.6m Cocaine into Scotland

Kristopher Purvis, a 35-year-old from Durham, was sentenced to 10 years in prison after attempting to smuggle approximately £5.6 million worth of cocaine into the UK via Edinburgh Airport. Purvis and another man arrived from Mexico City, carrying 15 packages of cocaine hidden in two large suitcases and a plastic bag containing sombreros. Border Force officials discovered the drugs, some concealed within packages covered in mustard, during a search at the airport's nothing-to-declare channel. Purvis admitted responsibility for all the drugs, claiming his companion was not involved, and pleaded guilty to charges related to the supply and importation of Class A drugs. Authorities emphasized that the operation was part of a broader effort to disrupt drug networks and reduce harm to communities. Law enforcement officials credited interagency cooperation for the successful interception and prosecution.