Kim Kardashian’s SKIMS found itself unexpectedly linked to an international drug trafficking case this week. The shapewear brand quickly pushed back after reports revealed that a shipment of its products was discovered inside a truck carrying millions of dollars’ worth of cocaine into the United Kingdom. Authorities have stressed that the merchandise itself was completely legitimate. Still, the unusual connection generated headlines after a convicted smuggler used a trailer loaded with SKIMS products during the operation.
Kim K’s SKIMS shapewear issues strong statement denying involvement in UK cocaine ring
Kim Kardashian’s SKIMS controversy began after Jakub Jan Konkel appeared in Chelmsford Crown Court in Essex, England, where he was sentenced to 13 and a half years for his role in a cocaine smuggling scheme, as reported by E! News. According to investigators, Konkel transported a trailer carrying 28 pallets of SKIMS clothing from the Netherlands to England in September 2025. After the vehicle arrived at the Port of Harwich, Border Force officers conducted a search and uncovered 90 concealed packages of cocaine hidden near the rear trailer doors.
Authorities estimated the drugs had a street value of roughly £7.2 million, or about $9.5 million. Officials emphasized that the SKIMS products were not connected to the criminal operation. The clothing shipment was described as “entirely legitimate.” Additionally, investigators stated that neither the exporter nor the importer was linked to the narcotics.
Following widespread coverage of the case, SKIMS issued a firm statement distancing itself from the smuggling attempt. “SKIMS is aware of the recent news involving a shipment with our products,” a company representative told TMZ. “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.”
Investigators said the trailer had been specially modified to conceal the drugs. They also pointed to data from the vehicle’s tachograph. It allegedly showed an unexplained stop during the journey that authorities believe may have been when the cocaine was loaded. Konkel initially denied knowing about the hidden packages. He later admitted he agreed to transport the drugs in exchange for a payment reportedly worth about €4,500 ($5,200). Konkel ultimately pleaded guilty.
The National Crime Agency praised the interception and said that the seizure prevented a significant quantity of cocaine from reaching British streets. Border Force officials also described the operation as part of ongoing efforts to disrupt organized crime groups that use legitimate commercial shipments to conceal illegal drugs.
Originally reported by Vanshika Vasundhere Singh on Mandatory.
