Albanian Organised Crime Group convicted of supplying large volumes of cocaine. Robert Bryan for the Prosecution.

Overview

Robert Bryan, instructed by Wessex CPS, Complex Case Unit, successfully prosecuted an Albanian Organised Crime Group who supplied quantities of cocaine on a commercial scale. The Group had various stash houses in Southampton and Bournemouth and during the conspiracy used two ‘bash’ houses/laboratories to cut their cocaine. The case was heard at Winchester Crown Court.

Drug Supply Operations and Financial Transactions

During various Police operations the group were seen to hand over dozens of packages of drugs and receive tens of thousands of pounds in cash; local Police forces often stepped in shortly afterwards to recover the money and drugs.

Key Police Raids and Evidence Recovered

A search and arrest in January 2025 led to the recovery of 3kg of cocaine and £24,500 in cash together with a ledger kept by one of the gang, in which he had recorded his very significant dealings. The log showed how large quantities of money was collected and drugs supplied. A final Police raid in March 2025 led to a single seizure of over 16kg of cocaine, many kilos of cutting agent and nearly £50,000 in cash. Found hidden under the floorboards in another property was a further 1.75kg of cocaine.

Scale and Investigation of Operation Dare

The Group had a significant geographical reach from Sussex to Cumbria, from Bristol to London with safe houses in Bournemouth and Southampton. It was a complex case investigated by SWROCU as Operation Dare involving covert observations, call data records, messaging, ANPR, CCTV analysis and banking records.

Robert was instructed by James Foster, Specialist Prosecutor, Wessex CPS Complex Case Unit.

About the Barrister

Robert Bryan was called to the bar in 1992. He is ranked Band 2 Crime in Chambers UK Bar 2026, and ‘Leading Junior’ Tier 1 Crime in Legal 500 2026.  Robert’s practice covers a wide spectrum of serious crime including homicide, sex-offending, serious fraud and drug conspiracies.

To instruct Robert, contact his clerks, Steve McCarthy, Ryan Bartlett or Amie Harris on 020 7404 1881.