GATWICK, UK — A 71-year-old Canadian man has been sentenced to six years in prison after attempting to smuggle £640,000 worth of cocaine into the UK hidden inside his mobility scooter.
Ronald Lord, a pensioner from Montreal, was stopped by Border Force officers at Gatwick Airport on February 7, 2025. He claimed he was visiting the UK for sightseeing after a week-long holiday in Barbados.
However, X-ray scans of his mobility scooter revealed 18 pounds (8kg) of cocaine stashed in a hidden compartment within the seat and backrest.
Despite insisting he had no idea how the drugs got there, officers discovered a screw from the scooter’s panel in his pocket. Further investigations showed Lord had lied about his travel — spending only three days in Barbados before flying to the UK.
Lord later pleaded guilty to importing class A drugs and was sentenced at Croydon Crown Court.
Richard Wickham of the National Crime Agency (NCA) stated:
“Organised crime groups need smugglers like Lord to bring class A drugs into the UK. He clearly thought his age would help him avoid suspicion — he was wrong. This case should serve as a warning.”
Authorities praised the collaboration between Border Force and the NCA, reaffirming their commitment to stopping drugs from reaching UK criminal networks.
