The Lily Lola was seized off the coast of Cornwall in 2021 after authorities discovered more than a tonne of Class A drugs hidden on board.
The bust led to one of the UK’s largest maritime drug prosecutions, with Swansea men Daniel Payne and Daniel Burgess among those sentenced to long prison terms.
From cocaine bust to auction block
The vessel, now stripped of its criminal past, has been confiscated under the Proceeds of Crime Act and will be sold unreserved by Wilsons Auctions in its upcoming Prestige Government Auction.
With a guide price of around £80,000, the fully equipped fishing catamaran comes with a commercial licence package, making it immediately operational for fishing or charter work.
“High‑profile asset”
Craig Walker, Contracts Director at Wilsons Auctions, said:
“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.”
He added that auctions like this have returned more than £150 million to the public purse in recent years.
Swansea connection
The auction marks the latest chapter in a case that shocked South Wales. In July, Swansea Crown Court heard how Payne and Burgess were part of an organised crime group attempting to smuggle the drugs into the UK.
They were sentenced to 25 and 26 years in prison respectively, with other members of the gang also receiving lengthy jail terms.
How to bid
The Lily Lola is currently moored in South Devon and will be sold alongside luxury assets including supercars, powerboats, and high‑end watches.
The auction is open to the public, with online bidding available via the Wilsons Auctions website.
