Practice Groups
Drugs importation and Supply
Members of 9 KBW have a long history of prosecuting and defending in cases of high level drugs importation and its distribution and supply throughout the UK.
All members of 9 KBW, from the most junior to the most senior, are instructed in cases involving Class A and Class B drugs. Cases range from simple possession, through possession with intent to supply and in recent years we have acted in many cases where large amounts of Class A drugs are either imported into the UK by Organised Gangs or manufactured here in the UK.
Case examples
R v X and Others 2024 Paul Simon, Leading Junior to George Skinner, both of 9 KBW, defended in an 8 week County Lines Conspiracy to Supply Class A drugs trial at Isleworth Crown Court. Five men were accused of being involved in a conspiracy to take drugs from a London address to the West Country over a sustained period of time. Although 3 of the 5 men were convicted, the jury acquitted Paul Simon and George Skinner’s client of the Conspiracy
R v F - Winchester Crown Court Daniel Cohen successfully defended the defendant from allegations of possession of controlled drugs with intent to supply, following a search of his home address. The defendant relied on the s.45 "modern slavery" defence.
Operation Meaning – Kingston Crown Court
John Clifford instructed by CPS Organised Crime Division in case involving prohibited firearm, ammunition and possession with intent to supply Class A drugs. Defendant made subject to two minimum mandatory sentences resulting in a term of 13 years imprisonment in total.
R v A – Snaresbrook Crown Court Feryal Ertan successfully prosecuted defendant who had pleaded guilty to the supply of “industrial amounts” of Class A and B drugs. He was in possession of £1.9million worth of drugs, which included 13 kilos of high purity cocaine and 15 kilos of ketamine. He was sentenced to 9 years and 2 months imprisonment.
Operation V-Rod – Woolwich Crown Court
John Clifford prosecuted Operation Trident investigation into County Drugs line from South-East London to Somerset. Five Defendants arrested in vehicle on M25 with 300 wraps of cocaine and heroin as well as drugs paraphernalia. Investigation involved ANPR, forensic and cell site analysis. Case linked to Operation Hatchling and Forge run by Avon & Somerset Police into prolific drug dealing in Somerset. All Defendants convicted and sentenced to a total of 26 ½ years imprisonment.
