Gang hid drugs worth billions veg
Manchester Evening News|December 03, 2024
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
Gang hid drugs worth billions veg

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.

This story is from the December 03, 2024 edition of Manchester Evening News.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the December 03, 2024 edition of Manchester Evening News.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM MANCHESTER EVENING NEWSView All
Liverpool skipper slams disrespect shown to United
Manchester Evening News

Liverpool skipper slams disrespect shown to United

LIVERPOOL captain Virgil van Dijk said he felt United had been disrespected in the build-up to Sunday's 2-2 draw at Anfield - and pointed to a question asked at Arne Slot's pre-match press conference as evidence.

time-read
2 mins  |
January 07, 2025
Manchester Evening News

Real show of grit in snow, slush and ice

WE have become accustomed to seeing slumped shoulders, heads bowed and no communication when United concede. At Anfield, it was different.

time-read
3 mins  |
January 07, 2025
Ammies stopper ready for Etihad FA Cup audition
Manchester Evening News

Ammies stopper ready for Etihad FA Cup audition

WHEN Salford City line up against City on Saturday evening in the FA Cup third round, all eyes will be on Ammies goalkeeper Matty Young to see if he can keep the Premier League champions at bay.

time-read
2 mins  |
January 07, 2025
Manchester Evening News

Why fan the flames with loyal support?

OH, Kevin de Bruyne. It's what the City vice-captain hears at the Etihad multiple times during a match as fans serenade one of the best players they have ever seen.

time-read
2 mins  |
January 07, 2025
Sav's support act is feeding Haaland goals
Manchester Evening News

Sav's support act is feeding Haaland goals

PEP Guardiola smiled recently when it was put to him that City could play a false nine with Erling Haaland.

time-read
2 mins  |
January 07, 2025
Golden first for Moore
Manchester Evening News

Golden first for Moore

DEMI Moore gave an impassioned speech as she won her first acting award at the Golden Globes in a ceremony which also saw films The Brutalist and Emilia Perez triumph.

time-read
2 mins  |
January 07, 2025
It could all end in tiers as Test plans make return
Manchester Evening News

It could all end in tiers as Test plans make return

PROPOSALS to split Test cricket into a two-tier system, with England, Australia and India at the centre, are reportedly back on the agenda.

time-read
1 min  |
January 07, 2025
Jewellery chains owner cuts losses despite revenue drop
Manchester Evening News

Jewellery chains owner cuts losses despite revenue drop

THE firm behind high street jewellers H Samuel and Ernest Jones has managed to significantly reduce its losses, despite witnessing a nearly £40m drop in sales during its most recent financial year.

time-read
1 min  |
January 07, 2025
Manchester Evening News

Minister probed over properties

TREASURY minister Tulip Siddiq has referred herself to the Prime Minister's ethics tsar after controversies over properties linked to her family and her aunt's political movement in Bangladesh.

time-read
1 min  |
January 07, 2025
Manchester Evening News

Little cheer for retail businesses

THE crucial \"golden quarter\" failed to give retailers the send-off to 2024 they were hoping for, after a year marked by weak consumer confidence, newly published figures show.

time-read
1 min  |
January 07, 2025