Case Details
Charges
The defendant faced a five-count indictment following a major police investigation into organized drug supply:
Counts 1 & 2: Being Concerned in the Supply of Class A Drugs (Diamorphine and Crack Cocaine).Count 3: Possession with Intent to Supply (PWITS) Class A (Cocaine).Count 4: Possession of Criminal Property (Cash).Count 5: Possession with Intent to Supply (PWITS) Class A.
The charges arose from the seizure of a massive quantity of controlled substances, with a combined street value of £191,340.
Situation
The defendant was the primary target of Operation Greel, an intelligence-led investigation into a dedicated drugs line. The inquiry began with the arrest of a drug user found in possession of a "tick list" containing names and phone numbers linked to the operation.
Following this lead, police executed a warrant at the defendant's home address. The search uncovered substantial evidence of a commercial enterprise, including £17,920 in cash (Criminal Property). Forensic analysis of mobile phones, communications activity, and location data firmly established the defendant's central role in the logistics of the supply chain.
Defence Strategy
Advising on Overwhelming Evidence
Facing a case built on forensic digital evidence ("tick lists", cell site data) and a physical seizure of nearly £200,000 in drugs, the defence team had to provide realistic, robust advice.
The strategy focused on damage limitation. The defendant entered Guilty pleas to the five counts. Our role shifted to the complex sentencing exercise, ensuring the Court had a clear picture of the defendant's background to mitigate what was inevitably going to be a substantial custodial term given the "Category 1" quantity of drugs involved.
Outcome
Sentencing Outcome
The case concluded at Birmingham Crown Court. Reflecting the high value of the seized drugs (£191,340) and the defendant's significant role in the operation, the Judge imposed a total sentence of 12 years imprisonment.
This case highlights the severe penalties associated with large-scale Class A supply and the robustness of modern police investigations like Operation Greel.
