Lowest Sentence Secured for Client in UK's First Cocaine Extraction Lab Case

Our client was charged with conspiracy to supply and being concerned in the supply of class A.

This case involved the first cocaine extraction lab to have been found by the police in the UK.

It was alleged our client and others hired a chemist in Columbia to assist with extracting pure cocaine from bars of wax/soap.

Two defendants were under surveillance by police, and were seen to buy various mixing agents to assist with the extraction process. Our client was allegedly seen to walk to the address with a bag, which was later found to contain the wax bars containing the pure cocaine waiting for extraction. Our client then helped his two co-defendants with their purchases and drove them back to the relevant address stopping to buy a jerry can of petrol.

Officers obtained an emergency warrant due to safety concerns. Within the premises they found the home made extraction lab and the bag of wax bars.

The two co-defendants were arrested in the premises, however our client had already left. Our client returned later that day and en-route he texted the co-defendants enquiring about the ‘food’.

All defendants pleaded guilty. Our client was the only defendant whose basis of plea was accepted outlining his lesser role, namely that he was not going to physically take part in the extracting process.

The sentences for these officenes ranged from 16 years to 6 years and 7 months. Our client receiving the lowest sentence.

Rachel Hobba litigated this case and Ben Narain of Doughty Street was the instructed advocate.