Corrupt border officer helped south London woman import MDMA

Kevin Smith allowed Caprice Thompson through his border force booth in Portsmouth after she arrived on a ferry from France with 15 kilos of the drug. 

While she drove back to her home on Hayter Road, Brixton, Met Police officers pulled her over and found the drugs in her boot. 

Thompson, 46, was part of a crime group led by David Johnson, 51, of Reed Place in Clapham. 

Sinan Baki, 49, Britannia Close in Clapham, was also part of the group. 

Thompson and Baki’s homes were searched and more drugs were found. 

The subsequent investigation revealed Smith, 38, had engaged in a number of face-to-face meetings in Portsmouth with Johnson in the run-up to the smuggling attempt. 

Their relationship had started whilst Smith was working as a prison officer that Johnson was an inmate at. 

Johnson pleaded guilty to importing class A drugs, and Baki admitted possessing class A drugs with intent to supply. 

Smith admitted a charge of misconduct in a public office. Thompson was convicted of smuggling charges. 

Smith was sentenced to two years in prison, ringleader John was jailed for 12 years, Baki got eight years and Thompson was handed a seven year sentence.

Top row: Smith and Baki. Bottom row: Johnson and Thompson. (Image: Met Police)The drugs were intended to be sold in south London streets and farther afield. 

Dave Rock, from the NCA’s Anti-Corruption Unit, said: “Fortunately this type of corruption is relatively rare but it does present a real threat to the security of the public, which is why we treat it as a priority. 

“People like Kevin Smith are invaluable to organised crime groups, as they can use their access and knowledge to aid their criminal endeavors. 

“This operation demonstrated the excellent co-operation between the NCA, Met Police and Border Force who worked together to stop this gang in their tracks and prevent class A drugs reaching the streets.”