Police discovered drugs network after drone crash

A failed drone delivery at a UK prison exposed a major drug trafficking network, leading to the arrest of nine people and revealing how inmates continued running operations from inside their cells.

A botched attempt to smuggle narcotics into a prison via drone has resulted in the arrest and conviction of nine individuals involved in a large-scale drug trafficking ring. The drone's crash uncovered a web of illicit activities orchestrated by Daniel Yeboah and Shaun Lau, two imprisoned men who continued running their criminal empire from within the confines of their cells.

Yeboah, a convicted drug trafficker, was coordinating large drug imports while incarcerated at HMP Buckley Hall in Rochdale. He was connected to the supply of various drugs, including cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid. Yeboah recruited multiple individuals to assist in his operations, one of whom was a great-grandmother who unknowingly received drug shipments disguised as cookies in West Bridgford.

Meanwhile, Lau, operating from a different prison, employed street dealers in Nottingham to distribute the drugs he smuggled in. He also arranged for the smuggling of illegal phones and drugs into his prison cell, which he sold to fellow inmates.

The series of events that led to the exposure of the operation began in August 2023, when Hayley Price and her daughter, Kaci-Leigh Stones, were traveling from Nottingham to Bridgend to meet Lau. The drone, which attempted to fly over the high walls of HMP Parc, was detected, and fragments were later recovered by witnesses. Police stopped the pair and seized cannabis wrapped in cling film, mobile phones, SIM cards, and parts of the drone.

Further investigation revealed a series of phone messages linking Price to several drug dealers, including Lau. These communications exposed the full extent of the trafficking operation and identified other key figures involved. A subsequent search of Price's home in Sherwood led to the discovery of drugs, including heroin, cocaine, cannabis, and MDMA, along with drug-dealing equipment such as scales and deal bags.

Investigators confirmed that Yeboah had been supplying Price with drugs, which she prepared and distributed to wholesalers and street-level dealers in Nottingham and nearby areas. Despite being in prison, Yeboah continued to control the drug trade, organizing shipments of fentanyl into the country. The authorities expressed particular concern about fentanyl's growing presence, a substance far more potent than heroin, with the potential for deadly overdoses.

Kieran Grant from Nottingham's Recovery Network warned that fentanyl-laced heroin could cause fatal overdoses, urging drug services to prepare for the possibility of fentanyl spreading across the region. The arrival of fentanyl, a lethal opioid widely responsible for the crisis in the United States, now threatens to extend its reach to the UK.

Other family members of those involved in the operation were also implicated. Angela Price, Hayley's mother, was revealed to have played a role in smuggling drugs for Yeboah's operation. Despite her claims of innocence, she was convicted after a trial for her involvement in the conspiracy. Angela had been trading goods sent from Trinidad and Tobago, including a box of sweets that contained hidden narcotics.

In March 2023, law enforcement cracked down on the operation, leading to the arrests of Yeboah and Lau. Despite their imprisonment, both continued their criminal activities, using mobile phones to manage shipments and drug deals. The investigation led to multiple arrests, with several individuals facing lengthy prison sentences for their roles in the trafficking network.

The convictions were as follows:

• Daniel Yeboah: 15 years for his role in controlling the drug trade while incarcerated.
• Shaun Lau: 20 years for conspiracy to supply Class A and B drugs, smuggling items into prison, and possession of a communication device inside prison.
• Shiero Marquis: 10 years for orchestrating the distribution of narcotics.
• Hayley Price: 10 years for conspiracy to supply Class A and B drugs and smuggling items into prison.
• Lieren Dawes: 8.5 years for involvement in the drug trade.
• Waheed: 5.5 years for his role in facilitating drug deals.
• Millee Munroe: 4 years for conspiracy to supply drugs.
• Angela Price: 3.5 years for conspiracy to supply Class A and B drugs.
• Raheeb Ibrahim: 3 years for conspiracy to supply Class A drugs.
• Kaci-Leigh Stones: 15 months, serving as a reminder of the consequences of aiding in illicit activities.

The case underscores the alarming ease with which criminal networks continue to operate from within prisons, facilitated by illicit mobile phones and other contraband. Authorities are particularly concerned about the spread of fentanyl in the UK, and experts are calling for stronger measures to combat its presence. The ongoing battle against drug smuggling and trafficking highlights the need for an overhaul in the prison system to prevent the continuation of such networks.

Sources:

• Sky News – Prisoners had drugs and weapons delivered to order by drones
• ITV News – ‘Deliveroo for prisons’ gang jailed over weapons and drugs smuggled by drones
• Yahoo News UK – Gang jailed for drone smuggling scheme
• Crashed drone led police to drugs network

Author: Lucas Grant
Lucas Grant is a sports journalist with extensive experience covering football and basketball championships. Known for factual accuracy and an engaging, dynamic writing style.