OVER 21 YEARS FOR DEVON DRUG SMUGGLERS

18 Jul 2005 03:45 PM

Smuggling 15 kilos of cocaine hydrochloride with a street value of £765,000, has landed three Devon women a total of 21 1/2 years in jail.

After the sentencing at Manchester Crown Court on Friday (15 July), Hank Cole, Assistant Chief Investigating Officer in Bristol said:

"HM Revenue & Customs is working at the forefront of the fight to stop drugs entering the UK and to reduce the associated harm to our communities. This case is another demonstration of our commitment to anti-smuggling operations in the South West of England, proving that a modern approach is vital to tackle 21st Century crime."

The court heard that the cocaine was concealed within identical, apparently new, suitcases carried by all three, as they returned to Manchester Airport from two weeks in St. Lucia. HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) officers intercepted the three as they passed through the Green 'nothing to declare channel'.

In sentencing, His Honour the Judge commented:
"Drug use is so widespread in our towns and cities that it affects whole parts of the communities. Drug addicts have a miserable time and turn to crime to pay for their addiction. This amount would have supplied thousands of dealers."

This case was successfully prosecuted by the newly established Revenue and Customs Prosecutions Office (RCPO). RCPO is an independent prosecuting authority that reports to the Attorney General, and is responsible for the prosecution of all HMRC cases.

A fourth defendant, David John Caines (DOB 31/08/85), failed to appear and a bench warrant has been issued for him to appear in two weeks.

Notes for editors
1. The women sentenced were :
Francis Ann Jane, (DOB 06/06/75) of Paignton, Devon.
Sentenced to nine and a half years.
Belinda Jane Biggs, (DOB 02/11/84) of Paignton, Devon
Sentenced to six years.
{Redacted by Request}
Sentenced to six years.

2. All three were sentenced for smuggling cocaine contrary to Section 170(2) of the Customs & Excise Management Act 1979.

3. The Revenue & Customs Prosecution 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 all HMRC cases.

Issued by HM Revenue & Customs Media Relations Team

Website www.hmrc.gov.uk

Customs Confidential helpline Tel: 0800 59 5000