UK Cocaine Trafficking Suspect Extradited From Cape Town After Bail Refusal

A British national wanted in the United Kingdom for alleged cocaine trafficking has been extradited from South Africa following a successful legal challenge by local authorities to block his release on bail.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) confirmed that Benjamin Leslie May was deported after the Wynberg Magistrate’s Court dismissed his bail application in May last year. May is sought by UK authorities on charges linked to large-scale drug trafficking.

Western Cape Director of Public Prosecutions Adv Nicolette Bell welcomed the extradition, describing it as a significant step in ensuring that suspects who evade justice abroad are ultimately held accountable.

UK Cocaine Trafficking Charges Linked to Organised Crime Network

According to NPA spokesperson Eric Ntabezitha, May is wanted in Britain on two counts of conspiracy to supply Class A drugs, specifically cocaine. The charges are connected to an organised crime syndicate that relied on encrypted EncroChat devices to coordinate the distribution of narcotics across the UK.

“May was identified as the user of an encrypted EncroChat device responsible for arranging the distribution of cocaine to various contacts around the country, including in South Wales,” Ntabezitha said.

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The investigation dates back to June 2020, when law enforcement officers arrested a courier transporting a substantial quantity of cocaine destined for South Wales. Subsequent forensic analysis tied May directly to the shipment.

“May’s fingerprints were recovered from one of the two black bags containing six kilograms of cocaine,” Ntabezitha said.

EncroChat Evidence and Flight From the UK

Investigators later uncovered encrypted messages sent from an EncroChat handle allegedly linked to May, discussing the courier’s arrest and indicating an intention to flee the country.

“Following the courier’s arrest, messages were sent by the EncroChat handle ‘splitcactus’ referencing the arrest and stating that he is planning to leave the country,” Ntabezitha said.

Shortly afterwards, May left the United Kingdom and ultimately made his way to Cape Town, where he was later arrested.

Court Rejects Bail Over Flight Risk Concerns

In opposing bail, the State argued that May had demonstrated a consistent pattern of evading authorities and continuing criminal activity while on the run.

“He has successfully evaded law enforcement in the United Kingdom and overseas,” Ntabezitha said.

“He played an integral part in an organised crime group who were importing and distributing huge amounts of cocaine and laundering millions of pounds.”

The court agreed with the State’s submissions and denied bail in May 2025.

Extradition Completed to the United Kingdom

May was deported to the United Kingdom on Wednesday evening, January 29, bringing the extradition process to a close.

“There is a strong likelihood that he will flee to avoid extradition to the United Kingdom,” Ntabezitha said.

“It is not in the interests of justice to grant the applicant bail.”