A sprawling drug-smuggling operation, responsible for importing heroin, cocaine and cannabis worth an estimated £7 billion, has been dismantled, with 11 members sentenced to over 200 years in prison.
The gang, led by 59-year-old Paul Green – nicknamed “The Big Fella” – used shipments of pungent onions and garlic as cover to transport drugs from the Netherlands.
Green’s network, described as the UK’s largest-ever drug-smuggling ring, operated under layers of deceit, including fake companies, identity theft and encrypted communications. The National Crime Agency (NCA) uncovered their operations after six major drug seizures between 2015 and 2018, valued at £40 million. However, investigators believe the group orchestrated at least 240 importations.
The gang’s tactics unraveled as complaints over rotting vegetables drew attention and bungled smuggling attempts exposed their methods. In one case, a driver grew suspicious of hidden cocaine and alerted authorities. Another shipment, containing 125lbs of amphetamines, failed when Dutch police intercepted the load.
Ringleader Green was sentenced to 32 years, with right-hand man Steven Martin receiving 28 years and distributor Muhammad Ovais jailed for 27 years. The group’s actions caused what a judge described as “incalculable harm,” fueling addiction, violence and community devastation.
NCA Director Rob Jones highlighted the group’s role in enabling crimes such as County Lines drug dealing and gang violence, stating, “Without criminals like these, such suffering would not exist.”
The convictions followed the longest criminal trials in UK history, lasting 23 and nine months, with six more sentences pending.
[Image via National Crime Agency]