A fishing catamaran ‘Lily Lola’ that was seized by government agencies after one of the UK’s largest maritime drug busts, is set to go under the hammer this November.

The vessel was intercepted off the coast of Cornwall with over £100-million worth of cocaine onboard, leading to the conviction of an organised crime group and the confiscation of the boat under the Proceeds of Crime Act.

In a dramatic operation, the vessel was intercepted off the coast of Cornwall, uncovering more than a tonne of Class A drugs concealed onboard. The plotters were sentenced to a combined total of over 90 years in prison, marking one of the most significant maritime drug seizures in recent years.

Now, the Lily Lola will be sold with no reserve to the highest bidder. This high-profile asset will be auctioned alongside a range of luxury items, including supercars, powerboats, designer goods, and high-end watches.

Catamaran seized during drug bust off the Cornish coast to go under the hammer 2.
Catamaran seized during drug bust off the Cornish coast to go under the hammer (Wilsons Auctions)

The Lily Lola is a fully equipped fishing catamaran, designed for offshore capability and durability, and represents a unique opportunity for marine enthusiasts or commercial operators to acquire a vessel. One of the most compelling aspects of acquiring the Lily Lola is its full commercial licence package.

This licence setup makes the vessel immediately operational for commercial fishing and charter activities, adding significant value for buyers looking to enter or expand in the marine sector.

Wilsons Auctions’ contracts director Craig Walker commented: “We are delighted to manage the sale of this high-profile asset. It is reported that the Lily Lola was intercepted by government agencies carrying over £100 million worth of cocaine during a major operation — and that is why the vessel is now being offered for sale by auction.”

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Exterior main deck gear (Wilsons Auctions)

“We are proud to facilitate auctions on behalf of our government and law enforcement agency clients. We play an important role in realising a large quantity of assets on behalf of these clients and, in recent years, these auctions have seen us return over £150 million back into the public purse.”

“The online element of the auction is extremely convenient for bidders around the world to register and get involved. This will be an exciting one to watch,” he concluded. 

Lily Lola is currently located in South Devon with an auction guide price of £80,000.

For further details, visit: www.wilsonsauctions.com/auctions/unreserved-prestige-government-auction-1383/lots/142733