Content Warning: The article mentions details about d-ugs smuggling.

Kim Kardashian’s clothing line, Skims, received renewed media attention after a major verdict in a case related to the brand was announced on May 13. Authorities in the United Kingdom uncovered a multimillion-dollar cocaine smuggling operation last year involving a truck transporting products from the popular clothing line.

According to the U.K.’s National Crime Agency Border Force, authorities stopped the Skims shipment truck at the port of Harwich in Essex on Sept. 5, 2025, after it arrived on a ferry from the Netherlands. The shipment included 28 pallets of Skims products.

The driver, Jakub Jan Konkel, 40, of northern Poland, initially denied involvement and lied about the operation. However, he later admitted to participating in the smuggling for 4,500 euros. On May 18, Chelmsford Crown Court sentenced Konkelto to 13 years and six months in prison. He has pleaded guilty to serious drug smuggling charges.

 

 
 
 
 
 
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Skims issued an official statement to USA TODAY saying, “SKIMS is aware of the recent news involving a shipment with our products. We want to be absolutely clear. SKIMS had no knowledge whatsoever about this criminal activity. We had no connection to the smuggling operation, the driver, or the truck.”

According to several media reports, authorities used X-ray scanners and uncovered irregularities in the trailer. Investigators discovered a hidden compartment in the rear doors containing 90 packages of cocaine weighing about 2 pounds each. Authorities estimated the dr-gs had a street value of about $8.4 million.

Authorities also reviewed tracking records and uncovered that the truck had made an unreported 16-minute stop during the journey. At this stop, the cocaine was loaded with the help of an organized crime group.

Furthermore, NCA operations manager Paul Orchard said organized crime groups often depend on corrupt drivers like Konkel to transport Class A drugs (highly regulated substances that are classified under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971) hidden within other legal shipments.

He highlighted how a meticulous seizure of the drugs saved a large quantity of cocaine being sold in the market, which would have destroyed lives.

 

 
 
 
 
 
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The manager also noted that the NCA works closely with domestic and international partners to protect the public from the harm caused by Class A drugs. He described such drugs as one of the major reasons leading to serious crimes within the U.K.

“The NCA works with partners at home and abroad to protect the public from the threat of Class A drugs, which are at the epicentre of huge amounts of crime and suffering in U.K. communities.” he said.

Similarly, Border Force Assistant Director Jason Thorn said the drugs involved cause severe harm and damage to communities. He described the bust of the operation as a major success, crediting Border Force officers for their work in disrupting criminal profits worth millions.

Online users took to X as the news of the cocaine smuggling operation went viral. Several users raised concerns about Kim Kardashian’s reputation and highlighted the credibility behind her fashion brand. Many others were also shocked after the news of the truck driver’s arrest was confirmed.

“This is not good,” one user said. “That is certainly one way to expand the brand reach into new markets,” another user added. “Wow,” a third one added.

Skims was founded by Kim Kardashian, Emma Grede, and Jens Grede in 2019. The shapewear and loungewear line focuses on size-inclusive products for all body types. Their products range from XXS to 4X. As of 2025, the company is valued at $5 billion.