Three men involved in a high-value at-sea drug pickup off the coast of Somerset have been sentenced following a detailed National Crime Agency (NCA) investigation. The group used a Rigid Hulled Inflatable Boat (RHIB) under the guise of a fishing trip to collect 322 kilograms of cocaine worth an estimated £26.5 million.
Brothers Craig Nuttall, 51, and Raymond Nuttall, 47, from Preston, arrived at Watchet Marina on 23 July 2025. They presented paperwork for a RHIB named Guzzla and told marina staff they planned to stay for several days for fishing. Their explanation later proved to be a cover for a coordinated at-sea drug operation.
On the evening of 30 July, the brothers were joined by two additional associates — 24-year-old Greek national Anestis Tsepa from Thessalonika, and 38-year-old Albanian national Melios Delvina. Shortly before leaving the marina, Raymond drove a van to the quayside and unloaded jerry cans and a hose, suggesting preparations for extended travel at sea.
By 20:46 that night, Craig, Tsepa and Delvina departed the marina on the Guzzla, wearing lifejackets and setting course for the open water. Audio recovered from Tsepa’s device later revealed the group discussing their movements as they travelled to meet a larger “mother ship.” This type of transfer, known as an at-sea drop-off (ASDO), allows criminal groups to move drugs from international waters into the UK using smaller, faster vessels.
In the recordings, the men could be heard discussing which vessel they were meant to follow and confirming that they were in position and awaiting a signal. Their journey continued late into the night before they returned to the marina at around 1 a.m., where Raymond had positioned the trailer to recover the boat.
As they attempted to load the vessel, NCA officers moved in and arrested all four suspects on suspicion of importing Class A drugs. A search of the Guzzla uncovered 14 large bale-sized packages containing a total of 322 individually wrapped one-kilogram blocks of cocaine. The drugs tested at 89% purity. Officers also recovered a firearm inside the boat.
During interviews, the Nuttall brothers and Tsepa provided no comment. Delvina gave a prepared statement claiming he believed he had been hired to help unload legitimate items.
The Nuttalls pleaded guilty to the importation of cocaine at Taunton Crown Court on 29 August. Tsepa and Delvina entered guilty pleas on 5 September, with Tsepa also admitting possession of a firearm and ammunition.
Sentencing took place today. Raymond Nuttall received 11 years and three months in prison, while Craig Nuttall was sentenced to 11 years and two months. Tsepa was handed a 16-year jail term. Delvina is scheduled for sentencing on 11 December.
NCA Regional Head of Investigations Gavin Webb said the group had been acting as part of a wider organised crime network seeking substantial profit. He noted that the discovery of a firearm highlighted the high-risk nature of the operation.
The court has placed reporting restrictions on naming two additional men charged in connection with the same seizure.
