1. Crystal meth parcels traced to insider corruption in Croydon
2. Corrupt insider linked to crystal meth parcels in Croydon.
Accident – Death – Obituary News : A woman from Thornton Heath has been sentenced to 12 years in prison for her involvement in an international drug trafficking ring that exported £4 million worth of crystal meth to Australia. Yvonne Stewart, 55, of York Road, acted as the “corrupt insider” in the operation, which was uncovered by the National Crime Agency and the Metropolitan Police.
Alongside Stewart, two other individuals were also convicted and sentenced to 12 years imprisonment each. Robert Hamilton, 53, of Doveney Close, Orpington, was also found guilty of cultivating cannabis, and Kevin Filkins, 54, of Deerleap Lane, Knockholt, Sevenoaks, was involved in the drug trafficking operation.
The investigation began after Australian authorities seized 24 kilograms of methamphetamine with an estimated value of £4.3 million. The drugs were traced back to a shipment from Britain, with CCTV footage identifying Stewart and Filkins as key players in the trafficking scheme.
Stewart, who worked in the cargo sector at the time, failed to properly inspect a package containing the drugs, which were not concealed. Phone records revealed that she was in contact with Hamilton, who then communicated with Filkins to facilitate the exportation of the drugs.
Further evidence showed that the trio had sent two other shipments to Australia earlier in the same month. The senders on these consignments were individuals whose passports had been stolen, with one shipment paid for using a stolen credit card found in Filkins’ possession.
In January 2023, Stewart, Filkins, and Hamilton were convicted after a trial at Croydon Crown Court and were sentenced to 12 years in prison. Richard Smith from the NCA and Met’s Organised Crime Partnership emphasized the importance of dismantling criminal supply chains to protect the public from the dangers of drug trafficking.
The case highlights the collaborative efforts between law enforcement agencies in the UK and Australia to disrupt organized crime networks and prevent the illegal distribution of drugs. The successful prosecution of individuals involved in drug trafficking demonstrates the commitment to upholding the law and safeguarding communities from the devastating impact of illicit drug trade..
“Crystal meth parcels tracked to corrupt insider in Croydon”.
