3 men have been arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class A drugs after their boat was rescued by the RNLI off the coast of the Isle of Wight last night (Saturday).
It was at around 15:30 yesterday afternoon that Yarmouth RNLI’s All Weather Lifeboat launched at the request of Solent Coastguard to assist a vessel around 20 miles South of St Catherine’s Point in the English Channel.
The boat – Yvonne T – was towed back to Yarmouth, arriving in darkness at around 20:40. Needles Coastguard Rescue Team were mobilised to the quayside.
Just 10 minutes later, for reasons unknown, HM Coastguard alerted Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary to a situation, which prompted a response from Police.
It has now been confirmed that a 40-year-old man from Windsor, a 54-year-old man from Gosport and a 40-year-old man from Portsmouth have all been arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class A drugs.
It’s thought they were pulled out of a local pub and arrested at around 21:30.
The Yvonne T has been seized and cordoned off as part of the investigation. It is currently being guarded by Armed Police at Yarmouth Harbour, as first reported by Island Echo.
Officers from the Marine Support Unit arrived mid-morning to conduct a search of the small commercial fishing vessel, with Border Force officials mooring up in Yarmouth a short time later.
Evidence bags have been sealed and taken away.
Police are not treating this incident as linked to a National Crime Agency investigation into the discovery of millions of pounds worth of cocaine last week.
Investigations are ongoing at this time to establish the full circumstances.
Now we know why Wightlink had staff absences yesterday /s
All this effort over some drugs shame they don’t put as much effort into catching pedos or finding some one like Damion
No money in it.
This country only bothers about money related crimes
Real crimes don’t matter!
Kev you seem to have a Pecker fetish, very concerning,
maybe you need to see a Doctor.
Should have phoned spec-savers !
Shame the illegals weren’t pursued by Border Force & returned to wherever their dna swab shows they belong.
They will cost us much much more in the ruination of quality of life to the British people than those choosing to do drugs ever will.
One has a choice not to get involved with drugs, not so with being pushed ever backwards when wanting a doctor, a dentist, a hospital appointment, and a home to live in.
These beings won’t be living in ships and hotels forever, they will be given amnesties whilst others take their place in the boats and hotels.
An infinite amount to fill our land to the poverty, crime, overcrowding and racial and religious disharmony they purport to be escaping, but bring it with them.
What a warped, prejudiced world you live in… Under yet another alias….!! Wouldn’t your neighbours be surprised to know your 1800 Century views?.
Excellent work by the Coastguard. Something obviously alerted their suspicion. These idiots who think they can bring this rubbish to the island and not get caught, have been. They must think the authorities here are a push over!
Well done to all involved in stopping these drugs getting into the island’s streets.
A very large amount gets through.