Latest news with #OCG
Leader Live
5 days ago
- Leader Live
Man jailed for 12 years for role in £900K heroin conspiracy
Brian Storey, 49, now of HMP Berwyn, was sentenced to 12 years and seven months' imprisonment at Caernarfon Crown Court today (July 24). Storey, who ran fishing equipment company RidgeMonkey, began standing trial earlier this week, but changed his pleas to guilty yesterday for conspiring to evade prohibition on importation, and conspiring to supply heroin. Prosecutor Andrew Jones KC said encrypted 'EncroChat' messages were discovered by police linked to the deliveries of packages. The conspiracy involved the setting up of bogus email accounts and fake companies. Gang members were caught after the Border Force intercepted a parcel in London addressed to a home in Northop Hall. Drugs were imported from Spain and the Netherlands to residential addresses – overall, police intercepted 18kg of heroin, worth a street value of up to £900,000. Drugs seized (Image: National Crime Agency) Mr Jones said Storey played a 'leading role' in the organised crime group (OCG), and was 'responsible for orchestrating events within the UK'. Another OCG member was located in Spain - EasyJet flight details showed Storey flew to Spain frequently. When officers attended Storey's home in October 2021, he made good his escape, but was detained 'by chance' in Chester 23 months later. Other members of the OCG were sentenced in late 2021 – these included: These men were arrested in a pub car park in Mold; Storey was said to have 'directed' Hunt as to how the operation should be run. Representing Storey, Paul Mason said he had no relevant previous convictions, with his last conviction of any kind more than 20 years ago. Storey, a father of three who has been in a 'stable relationship' for more than 20 years, was described as being a 'model prisoner' since being remanded in custody. Mr Mason said RidgeMonkey, a 'legitimate and successful' business, was not implicated in these offences. Sentencing, Judge Nicola Jones told Storey: 'It's clear this was a complex, sophisticated, well-planned operation. 'You were directing others, and the operation was on a commercial scale. 'It's a very sad day for the court to see somebody with your background, ability and previous good conduct to be brought to this stage.' Following sentencing, National Crime Agency lead investigating officer, Luke Seldon, said: 'Our investigation exposed that Storey was an essential component in the importation of almost a million pounds-worth of heroin. Read more "Storey was point-person for the supplier in Spain and managed logistics for movement of the heroin into and around the UK. 'More deaths are associated with heroin than any other drug, so the National Crime Agency prioritises identifying and arresting those responsible for making it available in the UK. 'We work extremely closely with police across the UK and world to ensure we hold organised criminals to account. In this case, justice caught up with Storey thanks to determined NCA investigators and a vigilant Cheshire Police officer.'
Yahoo
21-07-2025
- Yahoo
Drug dealer jailed after texting police by mistake
A drug dealer who accidentally texted a police officer about his new drug line has been jailed. Jack Johannesen, 23, of Stirling Close, Sandy, Bedfordshire, admitted two counts of being concerned in the supply of cannabis - and one count of breaching bail conditions. Bedfordshire Police said he was part of an organised crime croup (OCG) operating across Biggleswade and Sandy supplying cannabis, crack cocaine and heroin. Det Con Adam Geary said it was vital the force continued "to work together and make our communities an inhospitable place for drug-dealers such as Johannesen". He was handed two years and 10 months at a sentencing hearing at Luton Crown Court. Mobile phones On 25 October last year, officers executed a warrant at Johannesen's home address where he was arrested for being concerned in the supply of class B drugs. Multiple mobile phones were seized from the property, including one found in the kitchen bin which he had attempted to smash up. Messages downloaded from all devices showed more than 400 numbers were contacted about drugs available and costs. Johannesen was bailed, but eight days later, used a newly registered phone to send a message with his new deal line. However, he mistakenly sent the message to a police officer's work phone – one of the officers who had been at the initial warrant. On 28 November, another warrant was executed at his address where he was further arrested for being concerned in the supply of class A and class B drugs. A small amount of cannabis, high value designer items and nearly £2,000 in cash was seized. On this occasion, Johannesen had also attempted to hide a mobile phone behind a wardrobe which was discovered when it started ringing during the search. On Friday, Johannsen pleaded guilty to two counts of being concerned in the supply of cannabis and one count of breaching his bail conditions at Luton Crown Court. He also denied - and was found not guilty - of a charge relating to the supply of cocaine. Det Con Geary added: "Johannesen is now rightfully behind bars and we urge anyone with information about other drug-related crimes to come forward so we can continue to secure convictions against others who seek to cause harm." Follow Beds, Herts and Bucks news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X. Related internet links Bedfordshire Police Courts and Tribunals Judiciary
BBC News
21-07-2025
- BBC News
Drug dealer from Sandy jailed after texting police by mistake
A drug dealer who accidentally texted a police officer about his new drug line has been Johannesen, 23, of Stirling Close, Sandy, Bedfordshire, admitted two counts of being concerned in the supply of cannabis - and one count of breaching bail Police said he was part of an organised crime croup (OCG) operating across Biggleswade and Sandy supplying cannabis, crack cocaine and Con Adam Geary said it was vital the force continued "to work together and make our communities an inhospitable place for drug-dealers such as Johannesen". He was handed two years and 10 months at a sentencing hearing at Luton Crown Court. Mobile phones On 25 October last year, officers executed a warrant at Johannesen's home address where he was arrested for being concerned in the supply of class B mobile phones were seized from the property, including one found in the kitchen bin which he had attempted to smash downloaded from all devices showed more than 400 numbers were contacted about drugs available and was bailed, but eight days later, used a newly registered phone to send a message with his new deal he mistakenly sent the message to a police officer's work phone – one of the officers who had been at the initial 28 November, another warrant was executed at his address where he was further arrested for being concerned in the supply of class A and class B drugs.A small amount of cannabis, high value designer items and nearly £2,000 in cash was this occasion, Johannesen had also attempted to hide a mobile phone behind a wardrobe which was discovered when it started ringing during the Friday, Johannsen pleaded guilty to two counts of being concerned in the supply of cannabis and one count of breaching his bail conditions at Luton Crown also denied - and was found not guilty - of a charge relating to the supply of Con Geary added: "Johannesen is now rightfully behind bars and we urge anyone with information about other drug-related crimes to come forward so we can continue to secure convictions against others who seek to cause harm." Follow Beds, Herts and Bucks news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
Business Upturn
20-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Business Upturn
Line of Duty Season 7: Release date speculation, cast and plot details – Everything we know so far
By Aman Shukla Published on July 20, 2025, 19:00 IST Last updated July 20, 2025, 16:22 IST If you're a Line of Duty fan, you're probably itching to know if AC-12 will be back for another round of catching bent coppers. Jed Mercurio's BBC masterpiece has had us glued to our screens since 2012, and after that jaw-dropping Season 6 finale in 2021, the buzz around Season 7 is louder than ever. So, what's the latest on a potential new season? Let's dive into the rumors, cast news, and possible storylines, based on everything floating around out there. Line of Duty Season 7 Potential Release Date Without a confirmed green light, pinning down a release date is tricky. If filming kicks off in early 2026, as some reports suggest, we might see Season 7 by mid-to-late 2026. Historically, the show tends to drop around spring—March or April—so that's a safe bet for now. A while back, there was a rumor about a three-episode Christmas special, but that fizzled out, so let's not get our hopes up for anything too soon. The show's massive draw—Season 6's finale pulled in 12.8 million viewers—means the BBC probably wants to bring it back. But getting everyone's calendars to line up? That's the real challenge. For now, early 2026 is the best guess, but don't hold your breath just yet. Line of Duty Season 7 Expected Cast If Season 7 happens, you can bet the AC-12 dream team will be front and center: Martin Compston as Steve Arnott, the scrappy detective who's been through the wringer but never backs down. Vicky McClure as Kate Fleming, the queen of undercover ops and AC-12's moral backbone. Adrian Dunbar as Ted Hastings, the gaffer himself, who had us all cheering when he dodged retirement in Season 6. We could also see Anna Maxwell Martin back as the icy DCS Patricia Carmichael, who's got her own agenda. Shalom Brune-Franklin's DC Chloe Bishop might return too, especially since her role grew in Season 6. And here's a juicy tidbit: Christina Chong (DI Nicola Rogerson) recently said she's been approached about being available for 2026 filming, so that's a strong hint she's in the mix. As for new faces, Line of Duty loves throwing in a big guest star each season—think Thandiwe Newton or Stephen Graham. Season 7 could bring someone new to stir the pot, but don't expect Kelly Macdonald's Jo Davidson to pop up, as her character's now tucked away in witness protection. Line of Duty Season 7 Potential Plot Season 6 wrapped with a bombshell: DCI Ian Buckells was 'H,' the corrupt mastermind tied to the OCG. But let's be real—some fans felt that reveal didn't quite tie up all the loose ends. So, what could Season 7 tackle? Here's what's on the table: AC-12's Fight for Survival : The unit got merged with others at the end of Season 6, and Chief Constable Osborne's out to bury anti-corruption efforts. Could Ted, Steve, and Kate push back against Carmichael's power grab? More Corruption Drama : The OCG's still out there, and Osborne's shady dealings could spark a fresh investigation. Maybe we'll dig into Carmichael's motives or uncover a new 'H'-level player. Personal Struggles: Steve's dealing with chronic pain and a sketchy drug test from last season, which could put his badge at risk. Kate's back with her old unit, and Ted's got his leadership role to protect. There's plenty of room for their stories to get messy. Jed Mercurio's teased that any new season would need a bold, fresh angle. He could either pick up the 'H' thread or dive into a whole new case. Either way, expect twists, tense interrogations, and at least one 'fella' from Ted. Ahmedabad Plane Crash Aman Shukla is a post-graduate in mass communication . A media enthusiast who has a strong hold on communication ,content writing and copy writing. Aman is currently working as journalist at
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.'
