Good second job for a London Firefighter..?
Discussion
http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM...
Article said:
7/7 hero jailed over £100 mln drug ring
(AFP) – 4 hours ago
LONDON — A firefighter honoured for his bravery during the aftermath of the July 7 bombings has been jailed for 14 years for smuggling 110 kg of cocaine into Britain.
Simon Ford, 41, won a London Fire Brigade Gold Award after risking his life to pull victims from the bus blown up in London's Tavistock Square in July 2005.
But the fireman was jailed last year after admitting he was a key player in a £100 million cocaine and money-laundering operation.
His conviction was revealed to the public for the first time on Wednesday after the 35th and final member of the gang was sentenced at Southwark Crown Court and reporting restrictions were lifted.
A total of 33 people involved in the network -- which had sprawling operations in Colombia, Spain, India, Israel and several north African states -- have been sentenced to more than 200 years in prison between them, for crimes ranging from firearms offences to money-laundering.
The court heard how huge batches of cocaine were delivered to a taxi garage under the Westway flyover in Paddington, central London, ready for packaging and distribution.
The gang had over £100 million in cash stashed at Royal Oak Taxis, which served as a money laundering hub.
Ford was arrested in February 2008 in the largest raids ever conducted by British police, involving various properties across London and the Home Counties and over 500 officers.
The firefighter was caught at his flat in Chertsey, Surrey, halfway through repackaging 100 kilos of cocaine, worth around £5.5 million.
Detective Superintendent Steve Richardson, head of Scotland Yard's Special Intelligence Section, said the operation had dealt a "huge blow" to the British class A drugs industry.
"The link between drugs and violence has been well made and can ultimately be traced to violence and harm in London's boroughs," he said.
"These criminals had been living the lives of wealthy businessmen through their criminal activity. The lives they are now leading could not be more different."
Nice work if you can get it! (AFP) – 4 hours ago
LONDON — A firefighter honoured for his bravery during the aftermath of the July 7 bombings has been jailed for 14 years for smuggling 110 kg of cocaine into Britain.
Simon Ford, 41, won a London Fire Brigade Gold Award after risking his life to pull victims from the bus blown up in London's Tavistock Square in July 2005.
But the fireman was jailed last year after admitting he was a key player in a £100 million cocaine and money-laundering operation.
His conviction was revealed to the public for the first time on Wednesday after the 35th and final member of the gang was sentenced at Southwark Crown Court and reporting restrictions were lifted.
A total of 33 people involved in the network -- which had sprawling operations in Colombia, Spain, India, Israel and several north African states -- have been sentenced to more than 200 years in prison between them, for crimes ranging from firearms offences to money-laundering.
The court heard how huge batches of cocaine were delivered to a taxi garage under the Westway flyover in Paddington, central London, ready for packaging and distribution.
The gang had over £100 million in cash stashed at Royal Oak Taxis, which served as a money laundering hub.
Ford was arrested in February 2008 in the largest raids ever conducted by British police, involving various properties across London and the Home Counties and over 500 officers.
The firefighter was caught at his flat in Chertsey, Surrey, halfway through repackaging 100 kilos of cocaine, worth around £5.5 million.
Detective Superintendent Steve Richardson, head of Scotland Yard's Special Intelligence Section, said the operation had dealt a "huge blow" to the British class A drugs industry.
"The link between drugs and violence has been well made and can ultimately be traced to violence and harm in London's boroughs," he said.
"These criminals had been living the lives of wealthy businessmen through their criminal activity. The lives they are now leading could not be more different."
Edited by 4Q on Wednesday 5th January 16:50
Typical crim justice system in the UK. 14 years in HMP Wormwood Scrubs maybe for dealing in Class A drugs. What a flippin` joke!
As earlier contributers have stated, this is why drug dealing is lucrative. Where my GF lives, he would be facing the death sentence. Same punishment applies to Singapore and Malalysia. The UK is nothing more than a gangsters paradise now it seems
As earlier contributers have stated, this is why drug dealing is lucrative. Where my GF lives, he would be facing the death sentence. Same punishment applies to Singapore and Malalysia. The UK is nothing more than a gangsters paradise now it seems
Basically Singapore is pretty much a low crime zone. Walk across the road in one of the busy thoroughfares, and you can be landed up with a stiff fine by the Singaporean BiB. Almost made that mistake myself.
Regarding Thailand, anyone using or trafficking in drugs can land themselves in serious hot water. Police and Customs use narks to a large extent. A "friendly" local will not miss an opportunity to grass on you.
Basically a stay in the Bang Kwang gaol is not recommended, even if your stay ends with a rope being placed around your neck!!
Regarding Thailand, anyone using or trafficking in drugs can land themselves in serious hot water. Police and Customs use narks to a large extent. A "friendly" local will not miss an opportunity to grass on you.
Basically a stay in the Bang Kwang gaol is not recommended, even if your stay ends with a rope being placed around your neck!!
Jimbeaux said:
Somewhatfoolish said:
especially when you consider that he doesn't deserve any punishment at all...
Living up to your name I see. Probably still do, but I would not like to be in their shoes, TBH. Anecdotal evidence from expats is that you`re not treated by the prison guards very well. Have to resort to bribes for everyday essentials like toothpaste, soap and so on.
Locals, have much the same treatment. Being a druggie/dealer in parts of SE Asia is definetly not a cool idea. Again, the grassing issue is the coup de grace!!
Locals, have much the same treatment. Being a druggie/dealer in parts of SE Asia is definetly not a cool idea. Again, the grassing issue is the coup de grace!!
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