A man described as the “managing director” of the UK arm of a “truly massive” international drug-smuggling operation has been jailed for 21 years.
Robert Brooks, 50, from Elder Court in Hertford, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to fraudulently evade the prohibition on the importation of Class A drugs and possession of criminal property. St Albans Crown Court heard that cocaine and heroin worth £58 million were shipped from Holland in 39 deliveries to a business unit at Little Samuels Farm in Hunsdon.
The operation, described by police as the East of England’s biggest-ever drug conspiracy, was run by the Eastern Regions Special Operations Unit. Officers intercepted the final two deliveries last August, seizing 70kg of cocaine and 45kg of heroin hidden in consignments of low-value goods such as spider catchers.
Judge Michael Kay QC said the ring was “truly massive” and that “Class A drugs destroy lives”. He added: “Those who make money from such misery and degradation of fellow citizens will achieve substantial prison sentence. The business is not just illegal, it is immoral and despicable.” Three other men were jailed last week for their roles in the conspiracy.
