Major Cocaine Ring Busted in Corby
Alexander McConnell, 59, led a ruthless drug syndicate selling Class A cocaine in wholesale quantities. His partners in crime were Edward “Ted” Shephard, 40, and Darren Lafferty, 50. Customers included James Davis, 35, and Marcus Brown, 65.
Police Sting Uncovers Secret Drug Deals
The East Midlands Special Operations Unit (EMSOU) conducted a sharp investigation in October and November 2020. Surveillance revealed McConnell’s gang stashing, dropping, and collecting drugs using vehicles— including a grey Citroen van—around Corby.
On October 8, Brown and Davis drove from Cambridgeshire to Corby. Brown met Lafferty before heading to Corby Town Football Club, where Shephard and McConnell had just picked up drugs. A covert handover took place.
Shortly after leaving, Davis was pulled over by police in Cottingham. Officers found a bag containing high-purity cocaine worth up to £24,900 inside his Jaguar.
Arrests and Sentences Bring Justice
McConnell filmed CCTV footage at the football club on October 18, apparently trying to clear Shephard after Davis’s arrest.
The crackdown escalated with arrests: McConnell and Shephard on November 25, Lafferty on December 1, and Davis and Brown on December 3. All faced conspiracy to supply Class A drugs. McConnell admitted an additional cocaine supply conspiracy from Liverpool to Corby.
In April 2021, McConnell was locked up for 10 years and eight months.
Accomplices Receive Jail Time
- Shephard pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 32 months.
- Lafferty got 30 months.
- Davis, with previous drug convictions, was handed five years for possession with intent to supply.
- Brown received 30 months.
The court also ordered forfeiture of £5,058.57 recovered from Shephard and seized a BMW car. Lafferty and Brown face another hearing on November 25 over proceeds of crime.
