Heroin Smuggled in Pomegranate Juice Bottles: £20m Drug Haul Busted in Birmingham
Colin Bartlett, 54, and his son Lee, 30, from Bordesley Green, Birmingham, have been caught up in a massive heroin smuggling ring. The pair helped hide more than £20 million worth of pure heroin inside pomegranate juice bottles. The drugs were smuggled all the way from Afghanistan using a fake company and a bogus director to cover their tracks.
In May 2023, National Crime Agency officers seized a jaw-dropping 420kg of heroin hidden among 2.6 tonnes of juice bottles. The Bartletts were arrested alongside 11 others as they unloaded the dodgy shipment in Birmingham.
Suspended Sentences Despite Massive Drug Haul
In August 2025 at Birmingham Crown Court, Colin and Lee Bartlett were found guilty of involvement in the smuggling gang. Shockingly, both received suspended sentences. Colin got 24 months suspended for two years, while Lee was handed 18 months, also suspended for two years — no immediate jail time despite the huge haul.
NCA’s Derek Evans slammed the pair: “These men tried to flood our streets with huge amounts of heroin, risking lives and fuelling criminal profits. Tackling class A drugs remains our top priority — we won’t stop chasing traffickers.”
Manhunt On for Two More Suspects
The NCA is still hunting two suspects on the run: Shamut Khan, 56, and Matiullah Zamankhel, 23, both from Birmingham. They skipped court after being released on bail last November.
Derek Evans warned, “They are linked locally but could be anywhere. Anyone sheltering or aiding them risks arrest. We urge the public to report any sightings immediately.”
If you spot Khan or Zamankhel, call the NCA on 0370 496 7622 or Crimestoppers anonymously at 0800 555 111.
