The operation was described as ‘sophisticated’
A bulk importer of potentially dangerous drugs, including sleeping tablets and other sedatives, was caught red-handed after large consignments that he had ordered from places such as India were intercepted by Border Force investigators. Officers twice searched his home and discovered from text messages that he was supplying the tablets in bulk to others in blatant breach of restrictive regulations designed to protect users, Hull Crown Court heard.
David Griffiths, 45, of Travis Road, Cottingham, admitted two offences of importing the Class C drug Zoplicone and others of possessing the Class C drugs Zopisign and Pregabalin with intent to supply. Stephen Welch, prosecuting, said that, on October 13, 2023, Border Force officers intercepted a package addressed to the home of Griffiths. It contained 3,600 Zoplicone tablets.
A warrant was executed at his Cottingham home on December 20 of that year and Griffiths was arrested. “Numerous other Class C drugs were seized,” said Mr Welch.
Equipment was found linked to an organised supply operation, including labelling, packing and postal stamps, for drugs. He was arrested but made no comment during interview. He admitted that it was his address and that he lived alone.
Messages and media consistent with the importation and sale of drugs were found on his mobile phone. On March 13 last year, Border Force officers intercepted a parcel at Coventry International Airport labelled with the name and address of Griffiths.
The parcel contained 3,000 Zoplicone tablets. An operation was launched to arrest Griffiths and this was done on May 28 last year. “Officers located and arrested the defendant at his home address,” said Mr Welch.
Additional labelling equipment was found as well as an empty parcel from the same sender as the boxes seized by Border Force. During interview, Griffiths made mainly no comment.
The importations of Zoplicone were valued at £3,600 for the first batch and £3,000 for the second. The Pregabalin was valued at £150.
“Evidence from text messages indicated that the defendant was not street dealing himself but he was supplying in bulk to others,” said Mr Welch. There was a sophistication to the operation because Griffiths was involved in importing drugs from India.
There was professional- quality labelling and packaging. Rachel Scott, mitigating, said that the second search of the home of Griffiths did not reveal any new offences arising and no further drugs.
The parcel that was found on that occasion had been sent before his first arrest. Griffiths was now suffering a series of health problems.
Judge John Thackray KC told Griffiths: “These are serious offences.” They involved evading the prohibition on importing the drugs and, no doubt, this was leading to them being widely used and not, as they should be, regulated.
“That is a serious offence,” said Judge Thackray. “It undermines the whole system of controlled drug use.” The offences were made worse by the previous convictions that Griffiths had and the number and value of the drugs found.
“You have kept out of trouble for some time,” said Judge Thackray. “Your record of previous convictions is unenviable. You can be punished in the community. Your risk can be managed in the community.”
Griffiths was given an 18-month suspended prison sentence and a six-month 8pm to 7am curfew. He was ordered to pay £500 costs.