A drug smuggling operation that imported large quantities of Pregabalin from India was dismantled after UK authorities intercepted a single parcel. The gang, which included two women who facilitated supply and storage, received suspended prison sentences at Hull Crown Court.
Key Players and Charges
Christopher Gamble, 36, of Beverley Road, Hull, admitted fraudulently evading the prohibition on importing Class C drug Pregabalin between July 1, 2024, and March 26, 2025. He also pleaded guilty to possessing Class C drugs. Stacey Hilton, 41, of Saxcourt, Orchard Park estate, north Hull, admitted being concerned in supplying Pregabalin between June 1, 2024, and March 26, 2025. Jade Gnocchi, 28, of Milldane, Orchard Park estate, admitted possessing 180 capsules of Pregabalin with intent to supply, possessing ketamine, and possessing £2,940 cash as criminal property on March 25, 2025.
The Operation Uncovered
Prosecutor Stephen Littlewood explained that Hilton distributed Pregabalin to users, with supply sourced by Gamble from India via postal deliveries. When officers searched Hilton's property, she reacted to a ringing mobile phone and tried to distance herself from it. WhatsApp messages revealed she ordered 30 boxes of drugs, with Gnocchi's address provided. The arrangement between Gamble and Hilton continued until an investigation intercepted a parcel from India at Coventry. The importer's details read "Chris Gamble," and the consignment contained 200 blister packs. Warrants executed on March 25, 2025, uncovered blister packs at Hilton's home, prescription packages in Gamble's room, and multiple boxes of blister packs in a suitcase at Gnocchi's residence. The total value of seized drugs was £4,500.
Sentencing and Judicial Remarks
Deputy Circuit Judge Timothy Clayson described the operation as a "pretty thriving little enterprise" where the gang struggled to keep up with the speed of deliveries from India. He noted messages showed "just how extensive it was and how much was involved." Fortunately for the defendants, the drugs were Class C, not Class B or A, or immediate custodial sentences would have followed. Gamble was responsible for importing, Hilton for onward supply, and Gnocchi for providing a safe place for drugs and cash. Substantial quantities of drugs and about £3,000 in cash were recovered.
Mitigating factors included Gamble's role as a senior sales manager and his guilty plea. Hilton's involvement lasted about three months, and she had a daughter. Gnocchi, a single mother with a gambling and substance addiction, provided a safe house. Gamble received a six-month suspended prison sentence and 15 days' rehabilitation. Hilton received a four-month suspended sentence and 10 days' rehabilitation. Gnocchi was ordered to complete 60 hours' unpaid work. The judge warned, "It's very unlikely that, if you get involved in drugs again in any significant way, you will get this chance again."
