Plane sold for £17,200 on Leicestershire Police's online eBay 'shop'
A plane which was used to fly cocaine worth £1.7 million into the UK is the latest criminal asset to be sold through Leicestershire Police's online eBay 'shop'.
The aircraft, which was listed with a reserve price of £12,000, sold for £17,200 on Monday night.
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online auction: The plane which was used to fly cocaine worth £1.7 million into the UK
It was confiscated by officers from the East Midlands Special Operations Unit during an investigation into an organised crime gang, whose members have since been jailed.
The gang used the plane, which was not in full working order when it was sold, to smuggle the huge consignment of the class A drug into the country.
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Detective Inspector Greg Maides, senior investigating officer from the East Midlands team, said: "This has been a unique case.
"To add to the successful convictions we got in court, the sale of this aircraft has added to the impact this case has had on those who have committed crime in our communities.
"I am pleased with the outcome and we will continue to investigate and seize assets from those who think they can get away with crime."
The plane was the latest "criminal asset" to be sold through the force's auction site.
The site has generated about £700,000 through the sale of luxury cars, designer clothing, jewellery and other ill-gotten gains since it was launched three years ago. The cash is used to fund crime-fighting, while some is donated to good causes. Earlier this year, the force sold a Second World War replica armoured car.
The two-and-a-half tonne Nazi "Helga", which is believed to have been used in Second World War re-enactment events, sold for £5,205.
At the same time, a two-year-old Aston Martin DB9 Volante convertible was sold for £55,000.
The plane was confiscated by Northamptonshire Police, which asked Leicestershire Police to put it on the market in its eBay shop.
Northamptonshire Police and Crime Commissioner, Adam Simmonds, said: "The sale of the plane and the interest from the public has been tremendous. It sold well above the reserve price.
"We can now use the money for policing activities."
Leicestershire Police's ongoing campaign – Too Much Bling? Give Us a Ring – encourages the public to pass on details of people believed to be living the high life on the back of crime.
Zuffar Haq, of Crimestoppers, in Leicestershire, said: "It's crucial criminals are brought to book and the seizure and sale of this plane is further evidence of success.
"If people believe they know someone who is benefiting from crime I'd urge them to call Crimestoppers or the police."
Call Leicestershire Police on 101 or Crimestoppers, which is anonymous, on 0800 555 111.
www.leics.police.uk/ebay
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