Gang hid drugs worth billions veg

AN international crime gang smuggled billions of pounds worth of drugs into the country hidden in fruit and vegetables, in the biggest plot ever uncovered by UK police.

- ANDREW BARDSLEY

The massive operation saw up to £7bn worth of cocaine, heroin and cannabis brought into the country in an 'unprecedented' criminal conspiracy, executed by a highly organised and professional outfit.

Members of the gang were brought to justice for their part in the staggering crime following what is thought to have been the longest criminal trial in British legal history, which ran at Manchester Crown Court for almost two years.

Police seized 450 kilos of heroin and cocaine and more than two tonnes of cannabis in lorries containing fruit and vegetables, with a total street value of £39.5m. But prosecutors said the seizures were just the tip of an 'extremely large iceberg. In reality the gang were responsible for at least £2bn worth of drugs being imported, or as much as £7bn, offering a transport service for the British criminal underworld.

It was the product of a complex criminal network in which arrangements were made for drugs hidden in 'cover loads, before being driven to the UK in lorries from the Netherlands.

Prosecutors said the shipments, which were then sent on to organised crime gangs up and down the country, were hidden in fresh produce because it was 'impossible' for customs to check every load.

The shipments were made using 'bogus' companies with names including Pot Fresh, Blackpool Fruit and Veg, and Europroduce. Innocent haulage companies would then unwittingly transport the narcotics following contact with the 'bogus' firms.