Andrew Doran was arrested in Malaga, southern Spain (Image: NCA)

A drug smuggler who shipped cocaine from mainland Europe stashed in gas canisters used the encrypted phone handle "jurgensixnineteen". Andrew Doran, 42 and originally from Kirkby , was arrested in Malaga, southern Spain and extradited back to the UK on October 1 in connection with the large-scale class A drug plot.

Appearing before Newcastle Crown Court on Friday, Doran admitted drugs importation charges and was remanded into custody to be sentenced on February 27, 2026.

The National Crime Agency (NCA) said Doran admitted his role in the plot was to smuggle cocaine from the Netherlands into the UK inside the gas canisters, which had been cut open and then welded shut after the drugs had been placed inside.

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