A ghost of the sea, the Lily Lola, is about to be sold. This isn’t just any vessel; it’s a catamaran steeped in a chilling tale of ambition, deception, and a colossal drug bust that rocked the UK’s maritime world.
Last September, the Lily Lola was spotted drifting innocently on the waves. Border Force’s HMC Valiant, during routine patrol, moved in for a closer look. What began as a standard inspection quickly spiraled into a discovery that would make headlines – four men and a hidden cargo of immense value.
Escorted into port, the Lily Lola surrendered its secret: nearly a ton of high-purity cocaine, meticulously packed into bales. The sheer quantity marked one of the largest drug seizures in British maritime history, a stark reminder of the relentless battle against international drug trafficking.
Confiscated under the Proceeds of Crime Act, the Lily Lola has remained docked in South Devon, a silent witness to the investigation that followed. Now, after a year of holding, the vessel is heading for auction, a chance for a new chapter, though forever shadowed by its past.
Despite its dark history, the Lily Lola is described as being in perfect condition, fully licensed for offshore commercial fishing. It’s a paradox – a vessel built for honest work, tragically repurposed for criminal intent, now offered for sale to the highest bidder.
The investigation revealed a sophisticated operation, orchestrated with chilling precision. Aboard the Lily Lola, authorities found electronic devices containing coded messages, evidence of coordination with contacts in South America, and a tracking device linking back to a network far beyond British shores.
Four men now bear the weight of their choices. Captain Jon Williams, who purchased the boat for around £140,000, received a 26-year sentence. Patrick Godfrey was sentenced to 25 years, Jake Merchant to 18, and Michael Kelly to 21. Their ambition, fueled by the promise of immense profit, has cost them decades of their lives.
The National Crime Agency, working alongside Border Force, successfully thwarted a massive influx of cocaine onto the streets of the UK and Europe. The operation not only seized the drugs but also dismantled a criminal network, preventing a flood of devastation into communities.
The Lily Lola’s auction represents more than just the sale of a boat. It’s a tangible outcome of a hard-fought victory, a symbol of the ongoing struggle against organized crime, and a stark warning to those who seek to profit from the misery of others.
