Swindon Crime Boss Nets 16 Years for Massive ‘Spice’ Drug Ring
A ruthless organised crime gang dealing in synthetic cannabinoids, aka Spice, has been slammed with hefty prison sentences at Bristol Crown Court. The South West Regional Organised Crime Unit (SWROCU) led a detailed probe that brought the criminals to justice.
Mastermind Quyen To Gets 16 Years
Quyen To, 42, from William Morris Way in Swindon, was the gang’s top dog. He masterminded the import, export, and production of nasty Spice drugs. To pleaded guilty and was handed a whopping 16-year jail term.
From Border Bust to Garage Lab – The Sting Unfolds
- The investigation kicked off in summer 2020 when UK Border Force intercepted 4kg of Spice crystals linked to To’s properties.
- Police raided To’s home in Swindon and another place in Calne, finding a high-tech drug factory set up in his garage.
- His 17-year-old nephew, Rio Nguyen, was caught red-handed preparing drugs for distribution.
- Evidence showed To’s operation stretched far beyond the UK, with connections to Kuwait and Nigeria, plus online deals around Britain.
Family Ties and Fierce Sentences
To’s crook gang included close family: estranged wife Kati To, sister Vicky To, and associate Michael Clarke. Despite pleading innocent, all were convicted.
- Michael Clarke got seven years for importing and conspiring to supply class B drugs.
- Vicky To was sentenced to six years, guilty of importing, exporting, and supplying class B.
- Rio Nguyen picked up two years and two months for drug export and supply.
- Kati To received a suspended ten-month sentence plus unpaid work for laundering money.
Police and Prosecutors Praise Team Effort
DI Claire Smith of SWROCU said the group’s criminal reach was severe and welcomed the long sentences: “We remain committed to smashing serious organised crime.”
Senior Crown Prosecutor James Foster praised the teamwork between investigators and prosecutors, saying the convictions send a strong message: “We hope these sentences deter others from following this dangerous path.”
