Christian Ministry Used as Front in £2m Drug Smuggling Plot
The National Crime Agency has busted a cunning drug smuggling ring that used a Birmingham-based Christian ministry to sneak in £2 million worth of cannabis. Dalton Anderson, 50, Alvin Russell, 45, and Sinclair Tucker, 64, were caught after smuggling the drugs in disguise.
Drugs Hidden in Jamaican Food Shipments to Birmingham
The gang shipped cannabis from Jamaica to the UK via Birmingham Airport. The drugs were cleverly concealed inside tins of Calaloo, a Jamaican green vegetable, and Akee fruit. The cannabis arrived in three separate shipments addressed to Vision Christian Ministries (VCM) between March and May 2017.
Border Force intercepted the sealed tins in May and arrested the trio while they inspected the third consignment. Investigators uncovered that Anderson and Russell had travelled to Jamaica to manage money and shipping documents through Tucker, who handled communications with VCM.
All Three Charged and Found Guilty After Lengthy Trial
- All were charged with conspiracy to import Class B drugs (cannabis).
- Anderson also faced possession with intent to supply after five kilos of cannabis were found at his home.
- Anderson was convicted on 29 November at Birmingham Crown Court.
- Russell and Tucker found guilty on 30 November after a five-week trial.
- Sentencing is scheduled for 27 January next year.
Law Enforcement Vows to Keep the Pressure On
Rick Mackenzie, NCA Operations Manager: “Anderson, Tucker and Russell cynically used a Christian ministry as a smokescreen to import huge quantities of cannabis into the UK. They wrongly believed this would put them beyond the reach of law enforcement.”
Paul Harper, Assistant Director Inland Border Command, Border Force: “This was outstanding work to stop £2 million worth of drugs reaching Britain’s streets. This sends a clear message that we remain committed to tackling drug supply chains.”
The NCA and Border Force continue their crackdown, ensuring criminals can’t hide behind charity fronts or fake shipments.
