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SKIMS has denied any connection to a major drug smuggling case in the United Kingdom after authorities discovered cocaine worth about $9.3 million hidden inside a truck transporting the brand’s products.
(FILES) US celebrity Kim Kardashian leaves the Assize Court after testifying in a trial over the 2016 robbery that saw her relieved of millions of dollars' worth of jewellery at gunpoint in Paris, on May 13, 2025. A civil hearing will take place on May 18, 2026, at the Paris Assize Court, Palais de Justice, following the trial over the 2016 robbery of Kim Kardashian. (Photo by LEO VIGNAL / AFP)(AFP)SKIMS has publicly distanced itself from a major cocaine smuggling case in the United Kingdom after one of its legitimate clothing shipments was found carrying hidden narcotics worth approximately $9.3 million.
The company, founded by Kim Kardashian, issued a statement after a British court sentenced a truck driver who used a shipment transporting SKIMS products to smuggle cocaine into the country.
The case drew widespread attention online after reports linked the luxury shapewear brand’s cargo to the drug seizure.
SKIMS Says It Had ‘No Knowledge’ Of Smuggling Operation
Following the reports, a spokesperson for SKIMS clarified that the company had no involvement in the criminal activity.
Speaking to TMZ, the representative said:
“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.”
The statement came amid growing online discussion surrounding the shipment and the brand’s unexpected mention in the investigation.
Authorities have also clarified that the shipment carrying SKIMS clothing was genuine and that neither the exporter nor the importer was connected to the narcotics operation.
Cocaine Worth About $9.3 Million Hidden Inside Truck
According to the UK’s National Crime Agency, 40-year-old Jakub Jan Konkel was intercepted by border officials at a port in Essex in September while transporting 28 pallets of SKIMS underwear and clothing from the Netherlands.
Investigators said the truck had been specially modified to include a hidden compartment inside its rear doors. Inside the concealed section, authorities discovered nearly 90 kilograms of cocaine packed into 1-kilogram parcels.
Officials estimated the street value of the drugs at around £7 million, or approximately $9.3 million.
The agency further alleged that Konkel had stopped during the journey to collect the narcotics before attempting to transport them into the UK.
According to investigators, the driver had allegedly agreed to carry the cocaine in exchange for a payment of 4,500 euros, which is roughly $5,243.
Truck Driver Sentenced To 13½ Years
Following the investigation, Konkel appeared before Chelmsford Crown Court, where he was sentenced to 13 and a half years in prison for drug smuggling offences.
The case quickly went viral internationally due to the involvement of cargo linked to Kim Kardashian’s globally recognised fashion label.
However, officials repeatedly stressed that the SKIMS products themselves were part of a legitimate shipment and were unrelated to the concealed drugs.
Social Media Reacts To Unusual Case
The incident sparked strong reactions online, with many users surprised to see the name of a celebrity-backed fashion brand surface in connection with a major drug bust.
SKIMS Continues To Expand Globally
Founded by Kim Kardashian, SKIMS has become one of the fastest-growing celebrity-backed fashion brands in recent years.
Known for its shapewear, loungewear and inclusive sizing campaigns, the company has built a massive international customer base through aggressive digital marketing and celebrity influence.
Despite the headlines surrounding the smuggling case, UK authorities have made it clear that the investigation focused solely on the truck driver and the concealed narcotics operation.
Neither SKIMS nor the companies handling the clothing shipment have been accused of any wrongdoing in the case.
About the Author
Anjali Thakur
Anjali Thakur is a Senior Assistant Editor with Mint, reporting on trending news, entertainment and health, with a focus on stories driving digital conversations. Her work involves spotting early signals across news cycles and social media, sharpening stories for SEO and Google Discover, and mentoring young editors in digital-first newsroom practices. She is known for turning fast-moving developments—whether news-driven or culture-led—into clear, tightly edited journalism without compromising editorial rigour.<br><br> Before joining Mint, she was Deputy News Editor at NDTV.com, where she led the Trending section and covered viral news, breaking developments and human-interest stories. She has also worked as Chief Sub-Editor at India.com (Zee Media) and as Senior Correspondent with Exchange4media and Hindustan Times’ HT City, reporting on media, advertising, entertainment, health, lifestyle and popular culture.<br><br> Anjali holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Miranda House, and is currently pursuing an MBA, strengthening her understanding of business strategy and digital media economics. Her writing balances newsroom discipline with a clear instinct for what resonates with readers.
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