Paul Green, the ringleader of one of the largest drug smuggling operations ever uncovered in the UK, is sentenced to 32 years in prison

Members of an organised crime gang responsible for smuggling up to £7 billion worth of drugs into the UK have been jailed following a landmark trial. The gang, led by Paul Green, known as “The Big Fella,” was behind what is believed to be the largest drug smuggling operation ever detected in the UK, a scheme that spanned across multiple continents and brought devastating social consequences.

At Manchester Crown Court, Judge Paul Lawton described the operation as being “on an industrial and hitherto unprecedented scale.” The court heard that Green, 59, was the central figure in a network that coordinated the illegal importation of significant quantities of heroin, cocaine, amphetamines, and cannabis into the UK. These drugs were smuggled from the European continent, contributing to widespread addiction, crime, and death across the country.

Green’s extensive network of organised criminal groups paid a fee to have these illicit substances transported into the UK, where they were then distributed to various regions. His right-hand man, Steven Martin, also played a critical role in the operation, and both men were sentenced to lengthy prison terms after being convicted.

The investigation into the gang’s activities was spearheaded by the National Crime Agency (NCA), which uncovered the full scale of the operation over the course of two major trials. The first trial, which lasted a staggering 23 months, was the longest in the history of England and Wales. The second trial, which lasted for nine months, concluded with the lifting of reporting restrictions, allowing the details of the investigation to be made public.

Throughout the trials, evidence revealed that the operation had not only involved large-scale drug smuggling but had also had a profound impact on communities throughout the UK. Judge Lawton, in his sentencing remarks, condemned the gang’s actions, stating that their criminal activities had brought about “addiction, misery, social degradation, and death.”

The sentencing marks the end of a significant chapter in the fight against organised crime, with Green receiving a 32-year sentence for his role as the ringleader. Martin, who was deeply involved in the logistics of the operation, was also handed a lengthy prison sentence, along with several other members of the gang.

The operation was one of the most complex and far-reaching drug smuggling schemes ever uncovered by the authorities. It spanned several countries and involved multiple criminal organisations, making it a significant victory for law enforcement in the ongoing battle against drug trafficking.

The successful prosecution sends a strong message to other criminal groups operating in the UK and abroad, with the authorities emphasising that the fight against organised crime remains a top priority. The NCA, in a statement following the convictions, praised the efforts of all those involved in the investigation, acknowledging the difficulties and challenges faced in uncovering such a large and sophisticated operation.

The case also highlighted the growing use of technology in modern criminal operations, with encrypted communications and complex logistics networks making it harder for law enforcement agencies to track and dismantle these operations. However, the NCA’s success in bringing this gang to justice demonstrates that even the most well-hidden criminal enterprises can be exposed with the right resources and determination.

As the UK continues to grapple with the widespread effects of drug-related crime, this conviction represents a significant step forward in tackling the problem. The authorities have vowed to continue their efforts to dismantle other criminal organisations operating in the shadows, ensuring that the message remains clear: those who profit from the misery of others will face the full force of the law.