The case concerned the commercial importation and supply of cocaine and heroin. The conspirators used “ghost” warehouses to unload Class A drugs from legitimate loads brought in haulage lorries from the continent and supply them around the UK. The police intervened at the first warehouse in Slough on 6 August 2024 when 103 kilograms of cocaine and 37 kilograms of heroin were seized. This had a street value of up to £12.5 million.

Two individuals who were caught at the first warehouse pleaded guilty in early 2025, receiving sentences of 14 years and 5 months, and 11 years and 8 months. They were prosecuted by Alisdair Smith of Foundry Chambers.

The investigation continued, identifying upstream suppliers involved in the organised crime group. The conspirators obtained a 2^nd warehouse in Daventry, Northamptonshire to continue their drug dealing operation. Police intervened on 7 April 2025 at the 2^nd warehouse, and seized a further 200 kg of cocaine, with a street value of up to £20million.

The case concerned a vast amount of circumstantial evidence, including covert surveillance, phone material and cell-site evidence.

After an 8 week trial, three Defendants were convicted unanimously of all counts on the indictment:  conspiracy to import and supply heroin and cocaine, as well as an offence contrary to the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000. Two other Defendants pleaded guilty prior to the trial.

The Defendants will be sentenced at a later date.