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ITV News
10-07-2025
- ITV News
Sussex Police bust £24.5m drug smuggling plot orchestrated from prison cell
A convicted people smuggler orchestrated the importation of millions of pounds worth of illegal drugs into the UK from his prison cell. Arturas Jusas masterminded numerous operations totalling almost a tonne of cocaine and ketamine, using mobile phones to communicate with other members of the organised crime gang (OCG). Together, they provided a transportation service for other OCGs looking to bring significant quantities of cocaine and ketamine into the UK from Europe. But following an investigation by Sussex Police's Serious Organised Crime Unit (SOCU), working in partnership with Yorkshire and Humber Regional Organised Crime Unit (YHROCU), and the National Crime Agency, Jusas and his associates were arrested, charged and convicted. Andrew Gudz, Ihor Korobets and Russell King were sentenced to a total of 56 years' imprisonment at Lewes Crown Court on Tuesday 8 July. Their sentences follow the successful convictions of several members of another OCG last year. Acting on intelligence, police intercepted around 70kg of cocaine and 632kg of ketamine – with a combined estimated street value of £24.5 million – from two vans which were stopped on the A26 at Maresfield on 26 July, 2023. The Class A and B substances, concealed in 30 cardboard boxes, had been shipped into the UK by lorry driver Pavel Budzko, who travelled into Newhaven port via ferry. From there, it was arranged for the drugs to be transported into the back of two vans at a secluded location nearby. The Ford Transit Connect was driven by Charlotte Moore. Stephen Norris was the passenger. The Vauxhall Combo was driven by Abdul Soohraby. All three were arrested and remanded in custody. Budzko had evaded police, but was later arrested entering the UK again on 28 September, 2023. He was also remanded in custody. In the meantime, officers conducted enquiries with the NCA, which revealed another overseas drugs run had been attempted by Moore and Norris in May 2023, just two months before their arrest. The lorry driver on that occasion was Kiryl Laptseu, and the packages contained the DNA of Laptseu and Norris. The suspects were subsequently charged and sentenced when they appeared before Lewes Crown Court on 27 June, 2024. Norris, 36, and Moore, 32, both of Middleburg Street, Hull, were both charged with being concerned in the supply of 70kg cocaine and 632kg ketamine on 26 July, and fraudulent evasion of the prohibition on the importation of 107kg cocaine between 30 April and 7 May. Norris was found guilty and was sentenced to a total of 10 years' imprisonment. Moore was found guilty and was sentenced to a total of 13 year's imprisonment. Budzko, 50, of no fixed address, was charged with fraudulent evasion of the prohibition on the importation of 70kg cocaine and 632kg ketamine on 26 July. He was found guilty by jury and sentenced to a total of nine years' imprisonment. Laptseu, 42, of no fixed address, was charged with fraudulent evasion of the prohibition on the importation of 107kg cocaine. He was found guilty by jury and sentenced to nine years' imprisonment. Soohraby, 53, of Exeter Drive, Sheffield, was charged with possession with intent to supply ketamine. He pleaded not guilty and was acquitted. Evidence was recovered from the download of Moore's mobile phone, which included a thread of messages in a private WhatsApp group titled 'Unload 1'. The group appears to have been created specifically for the importation of the drugs on 26 July, 2023. On 2 July, 2024, Gudz and Korobets were arrested after being identified as participants of the WhatsApp group. They were remanded in custody as enquiries continued. Gudz was identified after a mobile phone was seized from him by Essex Police on 16 November 2023. He was arrested for money laundering after he was handed a bag containing nearly £20,000 in cash from another member of the OCG, King. It was established this was the phone used by him in the 'Unload 1' group. Further analysis revealed another number which belonged to Jusas. While he was a silent participant in the chat, he was known to be the boss of the organised crime group and therefore played a key role in the operations. Previously, on 21 December, 2021, Jusas was sentenced to nine years and nine months' imprisonment for conspiracy to traffic 69 illegal immigrants into the UK by boat. Around the time of the drugs importation, on 26 July, 2023, a number in the 'Unload 1' group was attributed to Jusas who was at HMP Highpoint in Suffolk, where he was serving his sentence. This supported his involvement in the operation. King, Korobets and Jusas were also part of a corresponding WhatsApp group titled 'Loading'. This group was recovered from the download of King's mobile phone. King was identified as the person who met with Budzko to load the 30 boxes into the back of his lorry while in France, on 25 July, 2023 – a day before the drugs were seized in Maresfield. King's mobile phone was seized from him when he was arrested on 24 August 2024, after he returned to the UK in his motorhome smuggling in 100 kilos of Ketamine. Evidence from his mobile phone revealed conversations with Jusas around the organisation of the drugs being loaded onto the lorry, driven by Budzko. There was also several other chat threads named 'Load', 'Load Tonight' and 'Loading', indicating there had been several more importations. The second part of the investigation therefore centred around the involvement of Gudz, Korobets and King, who all appeared before Lewes Crown Court (sitting at Hove) for trial which commenced on 8 April this year, as well as Jusas. The following defendants were sentenced at the same court on Tuesday 8 July: Gudz, 39, of Wards Wharf Approach, London, was found guilty by jury of conspiracy to import Class A drugs (cocaine) and conspiracy to import Class B drugs (ketamine), and sentenced to a total of 18 years' imprisonment. Korobets, 42, of Wards Wharf Approach, London, was found guilty by jury of conspiracy to import Class A drugs (cocaine) Class B drugs (ketamine), and sentenced to a total of 16 years' imprisonment. King, 63, previously of The Green, Royston, Essex, was found guilty by jury of conspiracy to import Class A drugs (cocaine) and sentenced to a total of 22 years' imprisonment. Jusas, 38, previously of Wandsworth Road, London, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to import Class A drugs (cocaine) and conspiracy to import Class B drugs (ketamine), and is due to appear for sentencing at a later date, yet to be set. Detective Constable Laura Pettitt of Sussex SOCU, said: 'Our investigations revealed that Jusas was able to organise this substantial importation of illegal drugs – the largest ever seizure of its kind in Sussex – from within the four walls of his prison cell. 'The messages recovered from this phone show that he was actively offering business to transport drugs into the UK through a series of networks which were designed to avoid detection. This included instructions on how to package the drugs so they could blend in with other legitimate packages and how to avoid being spotted at border control. 'The criminal activity was clearly designed to fund the lavish lifestyles of these organised crime gang members, from designer clothes and fragrances to high-end vehicles. But it was only a matter of time before we caught up with them. 'These significant sentences demonstrate that we will come after organised crime gangs and the individuals associated with them, no matter their position in the hierarchy, as we strive to protect the public from serious harm and bring offenders to justice. 'Illegal drugs cause harm and misery to those that become addicted to them and to their families and friends, often linked to other crimes being committed to fund their addiction. This in turn impacts our wider communities and affects us all as the cost to society remains high. 'The way these organised crime groups operate poses a significant risk to vulnerable and young people, who find themselves being dragged into the drugs world and potentially being exploited.' Detective Superintendent Tim Shaw, Head of Serious and Organised Crime for Surrey and Sussex, added: 'This operation disrupted and dismantled a national OCG causing harm to the public in our counties. 'The supply of Class A drugs causes thousands of premature deaths, and also causes violent crime and brings weapons and fear into our communities. I have no doubt that society will be safer as a result of these convictions and significant sentences.'
The Courier
16-05-2025
- The Courier
3 people taken to hospital after A90 crash north of Dundee
Three people have been taken to hospital after a crash on the A90 north of Dundee. Emergency services were called to the collision at the Tealing junction at around 3.50pm on Thursday. The crash involved a black Ford Transit Connect, a silver Mazda CX-5 and a white Vauxhall Viva. Two men, aged 71 and 62, who were the driver and passenger of the Mazda, and the driver of the Vauxhall, a 61-year-old woman, were taken to Ninewells Hospital for treatment. Police have not revealed their conditions. Drivers faced long delays and diversions and the road was closed for more than seven hours. Police have now launched an appeal for witnesses. Road Policing Sergeant Brian McEwen said: 'Our inquiries remain ongoing to establish the full circumstances of this crash and I would appeal to any witnesses to please contact police. 'In addition, drivers with dash-cam footage around the time of the incident are asked to come forward as this may assist with our inquiries.' Anyone with information is asked to contact 101 quoting reference 2419 of May 15.
Yahoo
23-03-2025
- Yahoo
Appeal after man drives van at village residents
A man involved in a series of separate assaults during which he "verbally confronted" his victims before driving a van towards them is being sought by police. The incidents happened in Appleton Roebuck, near York, at about 17:30 GMT on 5 March and then at about 18:30 GMT and 19:30 GMT on 9 March, according to North Yorkshire Police. The suspect was described as being in his mid to late 30s, of broad build, with an unshaven face and wearing a beige beanie with the sides folded up, and he was driving a Ford Transit Connect van, with a registration number believed to be similar to YR52 AYP. Anyone with information, or with CCTV footage from the scene, was asked to contact police. Listen to highlights from North Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North. North Yorkshire Police
BBC News
23-03-2025
- BBC News
Appeal after man drives van towards people in Appleton Roebuck
A man involved in a series of separate assaults during which he "verbally confronted" his victims before driving a van towards them is being sought by incidents happened in Appleton Roebuck, near York, at about 17:30 GMT on 5 March and then at about 18:30 GMT and 19:30 GMT on 9 March, according to North Yorkshire suspect was described as being in his mid to late 30s, of broad build, with an unshaven face and wearing a beige beanie with the sides folded up, and he was driving a Ford Transit Connect van, with a registration number believed to be similar to YR52 with information, or with CCTV footage from the scene, was asked to contact police. Listen to highlights from North Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.
USA Today
21-02-2025
- USA Today
How was Gabby Petito found? Netflix puts spotlight back on case that captivated the US
When Gabby Petito disappeared on a cross-country road trip with her fiancé, Brian Laundrie, a weekslong nationwide search ensued, and the 22-year-old's story has now become the subject of a new Netflix docuseries. Petitio went missing on Aug. 27, 2021, and her whereabouts became even more unclear when Laundrie returned to his parent's Florida home alone on Sept. 1. She was ultimately found dead weeks later on Sept. 19. Laundrie's body was discovered in Myakkahatchee Creek Environmental Park in North Port, Florida, in October 2021. He died by suicide. By the end of 2021, the couple that began dating in early 2019 before becoming engaged in July 2020, were both dead. The docuseries, titled 'American Murder: Gabby Petito,' follows the events leading up to Petito's death, and how the high school sweethearts' trip across the country ended as a tragedy. Here is how the high-profile search for Petito unfolded. How did the search for Gabby Petito begin? An individual called 911 on Aug. 12 to report a domestic disturbance after seeing a man in a 2012 white Ford Transit Connect van slapping a woman. When Utah police investigated the incident, the lead officer concluded that he did 'not believe the situation escalated to the level of a domestic assault as much as that of a mental health crisis.' Laundrie told the responding officers that he pushed Petito away in self-defense and that her cellphone scratched his face. Petito told officers that the two had spent that morning arguing as Laundrie prevented her from entering their van. Officers decided to separate the couple for the evening, taking Laundrie to a hotel, but the two reconciled and continued on their road trip that night. On Aug. 19, a video was uploaded to the couple's shared YouTube account showing multiple clips of them seemingly happy on their journey. On Aug. 22 when she contacted her ex-boyfriend who viewed the call as "a cry for help.' Petito's and Laundrie's relationship seemed troubled despite the couple from Long Island, New York being on the road since July 2021 for their tour of national parks and other sites, during which they occasionally posted joyful social media photos and stories. On Aug. 27, 2021, Petito and Laundrie visited a Whole Foods in Jackson, Wyoming. Security footage showed Laundrie slamming the door before entering the grocery store. According to the docuseries, this is the last-known footage of Petito. Gabby Petito found in wilderness, dead by strangulation Petito was found strangled to death on Sept. 19 after her body was left in the wilderness for nearly a month, Teton County coroner, Dr. Brent Blue, said. The coroner indicated that Petito was a victim of domestic violence. "Unfortunately, this is only one of many deaths around the country of people who are involved with domestic violence, and it's unfortunate that these other deaths did not get as much coverage as this one," Blue said. The discovery of Petito's remains came after law enforcement combed through a camping area in Wyoming's Bridger-Teton National Forest and found human remains that were later confirmed to be Petito's. The FBI in Denver said agents conducted ground surveys at Grand Teton National Park with help from the National Park Service and other law enforcement agencies. One of the areas examined in the investigation was the Spread Creek camping area near Grand Teton National Park, which came to focus after a tip from travel vloggers Jenn and Kyle Bethune. The vloggers saidthey spotted Petito's white van in GoPro footage they recorded while camping in late August, and they shared the footage with the FBI before posting it online. Laundrie also went missing The day Petito went missing, Laundrie had a nearly 55-minute phone call with his mom. Laundrie's father also reached out to a lawyer that day. Laundrie left Wyoming for Florida on Aug. 30, and during his trip back, he used Petito's debit card to fuel their van. An electronic payment was also made from Petito to Laundrie for $700, and it contained the message: "Goodbye Brian, I'll never ask you for anything again." To find Laundrie, authorities used drones, scent-sniffing dogs and all-terrain vehicles. Investigators also took some of Laundrie's clothing from his parent's home to provide a scent for the search dogs. Duane Lee Chapman, known as TV personality "Dog the Bounty Hunter," also searched for Laundrie, promising to nab him before his 24th birthday on Nov. 18. John Walsh, a victims' advocate and host of the TV show "In Pursuit With John Walsh," also joined the chase. Laundrie was initially charged with unauthorized use of a Capital One debit card and several accounts, spending more than $1,000, according to a grand jury indictment released in September 2021 by the U.S. District of Wyoming. Brian Laundrie's parents not charged in Gabby Petito case Christopher and Roberta Laundrie were not charged after Petito was found dead. They did settle a civil lawsuit with Petito's parents in 2024, which accused the couple of withholding knowledge of the vlogger's death. The filmmakers of the Netflix docuseries included a note from Laundrie's mother, which she told her son to "burn after reading." "If you're in jail, I will bake a cake with a file in it," Roberta Laundrie wrote her son in the undated letter. "If you need to dispose of a body, I will show up with a shovel and garbage bags." Roberta Laundrie denied that her words pertained to Petito's death. Petito's parents also said they tried contacting Laundrie's parents and sister, but their messages went unanswered. When officers went to the Laundrie's home on Sept. 11, body camera footage showed Christopher Laundrie telling the officer that his son was home but referred the cop to an attorney for further questioning. Josh Taylor, a North Port police spokesperson, told USA TODAY he was unsure what charges Laundrie's parents could face: "To this day, there has never been a crime in this case which took place in the City of North Port." In a statement to USA TODAY, Laundrie's attorney, Steven Bertolino, said the docuseries "contained many inaccuracies, incorrect juxtapositions of timelines, and misstatements and omissions of fact - perhaps deliberate to capture their 'truth,' perhaps due to simple error." "We all know Brian took Gabby's life and Brian then took his own as well," Bertolino said. "Let the parents of both Gabby and Brian mourn and remember them in peace." Contributing: Erin Jensen, Jeanine Santucci, John Bacon, Christal Hayes, Grace Hauck & Scott Gleeson, USA TODAY
