A Merseyside couple's international criminal scheme was brought down after their parcels were seized. An investigation into Alexander Pearce, 30, and Lauren Feeney, 28, both of Sarah's Croft in Netherton, was launched in 2024 following a probe by the North West Regional Organised Crime Unit (NWROCU).
Parcels Intercepted by Border Force
The investigation began after UK Border Force intercepted three parcels destined for the United States between March and April 2024. The first parcel, sent from a Liverpool post office on March 28, 2024, was declared as containing "Organic Multi Vits". It was seized and forensically examined, revealing tablets containing Class A drugs metonitazene and N-pyrrolidino protonitazene.
A second parcel, posted from Sefton on April 19, 2024 and falsely declared as vitamins, was found to contain more than 1,000 Bromazolam tablets, a Class C controlled drug. A third parcel, sent from St Helens on April 24, 2024, contained both Nitazene and Bromazolam tablets. CCTV enquiries identified Pearce posting each parcel.
The investigation also linked Pearce to a fourth parcel, recovered by Metropolitan Police officers during an unrelated warrant in Kent. The package had the same return address and branding and contained hundreds of Class A Nitazene tablets. All four parcels used a "Bestlyfe" label and falsely described the contents as "Organic Multi Vits".
Home Address Search Revealed Drug Distribution Centre
On May 2, 2024, NWROCU officers executed a warrant at the couple's home. Inside, they discovered a drugs distribution centre, including computer equipment, large quantities of tablets, packaging materials, postal supplies and labels. Digital investigations revealed Feeney played an active role in packaging and arranging international shipments. Analysis of her mobile phone showed her involvement in preparing parcels for distribution.
A desktop computer recovered contained multiple Royal Mail tracking searches and a TOR browser used to access the dark web. In total, officers seized 146,793 tablets, including 23,930 Nitazene tablets and 122,863 Bromazolam tablets, with an estimated street value of up to £300,000.
Sentences Handed Down
On Monday, July 27, Pearce was sentenced to six years' imprisonment after pleading guilty to possession with intent to supply Class A and Class C drugs, and offences relating to the exportation of controlled drugs. Feeney admitted being concerned in the supply of Class C drugs and was sentenced to a 12-month community order, a three-month electronic curfew, up to 10 days of Rehabilitation Activity Requirement days, and ordered to pay £500 costs.
Detective Inspector Danny Murphy from the NWROCU’s Operation Team said: "Nitazenes are extremely potent synthetic opioids which have been linked to a growing number of deaths across the UK. Criminals involved in their supply show a complete disregard for the devastating consequences these drugs can have on users, families and communities."
"Pearce and Feeney were operating a significant postal drug distribution network from their home, sending dangerous substances to customers across the UK and overseas while attempting to disguise them as legitimate goods. Thanks to the work of our officers, Border Force and the Metropolitan Police, a substantial quantity of harmful drugs has been removed from circulation."
"We will continue to work with partners to identify, disrupt and prosecute those involved in organised crime and the supply of illegal drugs, whether they operate on our streets or online."
