National Crime Agency appeal for help tracing Waterman after million pound drug haul

National Crime Agency investigators are hunting for a man nicknamed Jugs who frequented the Gymbox in Westfield in Shepherd's Bush in connection with a drugs haul worth over £1 million.

Around seven kilos of cocaine were found in a briefcase recovered by Border Force officers at Bagby Airfield near Thirsk on 18 October 2015, shortly after the arrival of a light aircraft.

If cut and sold on the streets the haul would have had a likely potential value of around £1.2 million.

The pilot of the plane was arrested and is due to stand trial in February 2017 charged with importation offences, but NCA investigators also want to question Jason Steven Waterman, 31, in connection with the offence.

Attempts to locate him have so far been unsuccessful.

Waterman is known to have links to the north and west London areas, as well as Watford. He is believed to be a fan of boxing and mixed martial arts and is thought to have been a member of the London Shootfighters MMA club, and previously frequented the Gymbox Westfield gym in Shepherd’s Bush.

He is also known by the nickname of “Jugs” or “Jumbo” - for obvious reasons.

Mick Maloney, from the NCA’s border policing command, said: "This was a substantial quantity of cocaine with a street value of more than £1.2 million and it is important that we speak to Jason Waterman as part of our investigation.

" We know he has links to north and west London and has previously visited gyms in those areas. His appearance is quite distinctive and I would ask anyone who may have seen him or knows anything about his whereabouts to come forward.

" “I’d also ask that anyone who saw anything suspicious around Bagby Airfield on that day last autumn to get in touch, no matter how small they think it is. It could be important.

" They can either contact us directly using the details on our website, or via Crimestoppers on 0800 555111."

July 25, 2016