Fugitive Rapper C Montana Convicted in Absentia for Massive Drug Operation
Arlten Lewis-Turner, the 35-year-old rapper known to his 34,000 Instagram followers as C Montana, has been sentenced to 23 years in prison for running a sophisticated drug smuggling ring that reportedly generated £1 million per month. The conviction came despite Lewis-Turner absconding from bail in October 2024 after spending an estimated £700,000 on legal challenges aimed at dismissing the case against him.
How a Gold Chain Led to Identification
Police were able to connect Lewis-Turner to an anonymous EncroChat handle, known as 'thetrap', through his distinctive gold necklace bearing the words 'Unique CM'. This gaudy accessory was captured on CCTV at Heathrow Airport on April 24, 2020, the same day the EncroChat phone first connected to UK mobile networks. The necklace was later discovered during a search of Lewis-Turner's luxury apartment at the Discovery Dock development in Canary Wharf.
The EncroChat Investigation and Drug Seizures
The investigation began in April 2020 when French authorities infiltrated EncroChat, an encrypted phone system used by approximately 60,000 organised criminals. Data intercepted from this network was shared with the UK's National Crime Agency, which passed information to local forces including the Metropolitan Police.
The court heard how Lewis-Turner's co-defendant, Nagib Omar, was found in possession of 38kg of heroin and 10kg of cocaine on May 19, 2020. Police estimated the street value of these seizures at up to £1 million for the cocaine and £3.8 million for the heroin. Omar pleaded guilty to conspiracy charges in November 2023 and was sentenced to 12 years imprisonment.
Musical Career and Public Persona
Lewis-Turner had cultivated a modestly successful rap career, appearing on BBC Radio 1Xtra in 2018 as part of DJ Kenny Allstar's 'Voice of the Streets' segment. His YouTube channel featured videos including tracks titled 'Drug Dealer' and 'Big Rich'. Following his initial release on bail in December 2020, he released a single called 'Boss Is Back' with lyrics celebrating his temporary freedom.
Legal Challenges and International Manhunt
Lewis-Turner's legal team mounted multiple challenges regarding the admissibility of EncroChat evidence in British courts, with the case eventually reaching the European Court of Human Rights. After these efforts failed, he absconded in October 2024. Police believe he initially fled to Dubai, but his current whereabouts remain unknown.
Prosecutor Tom Nicholson told the court that messages between Omar, 'thetrap', and other suppliers revealed the enormous scale of the operation, with accounting records showing credit extended to drug purchasers exceeding £1 million. The Metropolitan Police confirmed that enquiries to locate Lewis-Turner are ongoing, describing him as 'at large' and the subject of an active international manhunt.
