Over 220 years in prison in UK cocaine-in-cheese case
West Yorkshire Police announced on 30 October the results of an investigation into a network involving 4.5 tonnes of cocaine. Drugs were smuggled into the UK in cheese and other food cargo. Fifteen of eighteen convicted defendants had received sentences.
Police said the prison terms totalled more than 220 years. The announcement followed two trials, with reporting restrictions lasting until both concluded. Aiden McCullagh and Craig Goulding each received 25 years in May, and Craig Asquith ten years. Another group was sentenced at Leeds Crown Court in the week of 30 October.
The network used distribution hubs in Huddersfield, Cleckheaton, Halifax and Blackburn. Commercial food freight arrived through Dover and Derby. Cocaine was removed from large cheeses and sent onward through couriers. Police link 4.5 tonnes to the whole investigation and estimate a street value above £450 million.
After a Blackburn raid in May 2023, the network changed its methods. Chocolate spread and frozen fish mince later concealed drugs. According to the announcement, Mark Briggs, Sammy Stapleton and Nathan Reilly still awaited sentencing.









































