NO POLE POSITION FOR RACING BOSS IN DRUG SMUGGLING CASE

22 Jul 2005 06:15 PM

Four men who pleaded guilty to drug trafficking offences relating to 19kgs of cocaine with a street value of £1.7 million were today sentenced to a total of 38 1/2 years at Southwark Crown Court, following an investigation by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC).

Among those convicted today was Victor John Lee who was the managing director of Vic Lee Racing Ltd (VLR) a company based in Coventry that prepares vehicles for international motor racing teams.

On Sunday 20 February 2005, HMRC officers swooped on the Holiday Inn, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, and found the four men in possession of the cocaine.

Victor Lee, the alleged organiser had £19,000 cash in his vehicle. He also has a previous conviction for importing 41kgs of cocaine in 1993, at that time worth some £6 million, for which he received a sentence of 12 years imprisonment.

Jonathon Wheatley's home address was searched and a quantity of cocaine, with a street value of £5,000 was seized along with £54,000 in cash.

Chris Thompson, HMRC Assistant Chief Investigation Officer said:

"This case is a significant success for Customs, not only in terms of the seizure of a large quantity of cocaine, but also in that a criminal organisation, heavily involved in Class A drug trafficking, has been dismantled.

"The fact that we are dealing with serious and determined criminality is evidenced by the fact that Lee was sentenced to 12 years imprisonment in connection with the importation of 41kgs of cocaine in 1993.

"The driving factor behind criminal involvement in drug trafficking is money. Therefore it is particularly satisfying that in this case we have seized in excess of £70,000 from these defendants. Confiscation proceedings have been initiated in this case and are on-going.

"The severity of the sentences handed down today should send out a clear warning to those who attempt to deal in Class A drugs in the UK. HM Revenue & Customs will continue to work at the forefront of the fight to stop drug trafficking in the UK, and to reduce the associated harm to our communities."

All four defendants pleaded guilty to drug trafficking offences on 17 June 2005. In addition Lee and Wheatley also pleaded guilty to offences contrary to the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002.

On 15 July 2005, an Order was granted for forfeiture of £73,230 in accordance with the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002.

Lee and Mahony's assets have been restrained and confiscation proceedings will follow.

The newly established Revenue and Customs Prosecutions Office (RCPO) successfully prosecuted this case. RCPO is an independent prosecuting authority, which reports to the Attorney General, and is responsible for the prosecution of all HMRC cases in England and Wales.

Notes for editors

1. The men sentenced today were:
Victor John Lee (51) of Coventry, the managing director of Vic Lee Racing Ltd (VLR), a company based in Coventry that prepares vehicles for international motor racing teams, who received a total of 12 years.

Jeremy John Mahony (49) of Hook in Hampshire, the Managing Director of a corporate entertainment business specialising motor racing events who was sentenced to a total of 11 years.

Jonathon Wheatley (33) of Basildon, Essex who received a total of 9 years.

Nicholas Alan Atkins (21) of Ilford, Essex who was sentenced to 6 1/2 years.

2. Customs Officers wish to speak to a fifth man, who they believe is called Terence Daniel Agombar in connection with this offence. If you know of his whereabouts please contact

* Customs Hotline - 0800 595 000
* E-mail - customs.confidential@hmrc.gsi.gov.uk
* SEA 939, Po Box 100, Gravesend, Kent DA12 2BR

Members of the public are advised not to approach Terence Daniel Agombar.

3. Pictures of Victor John Lee and Terence Agombar are available from HMRC Press Office.

4. The Revenue & Customs Prosecutions Office (RCPO) was created by Royal Assent on 7 April 2005. An independent prosecuting authority, RCPO reports directly to the Attorney General, and is responsible for prosecuting some of the largest drug and fraud cases in the UK.

Issued by HM Revenue & Customs Media Relations Team

Website www.hmrc.gov.uk