Simon Walters and Alex Shanks successful in prosecution of Organised Crime Group involved in the commercial supply of cocaine and cannabis

Case Overview

Simon Walters leading Alex Shanks, instructed by CPS Complex Casework Unit, successfully prosecuted an Organised Crime Group who supplied multi-kilogram quantities of cocaine and cannabis on a commercial scale, as well as laundering significant quantities of cash.

Charges

The defendants were charged with a number of offences, including conspiracy to supply Class A drugs, conspiracy to supply Class B drugs and conspiracy to transfer criminal property.

Investigation and seizures

During the investigation over £200,000 in cash was seized, along with over 2kg cocaine and over 50kg of cannabis as well as ledgers detailing the multi-kilo quantities of cocaine supplied and in excess of £2m laundered.

Defendants, Trial and Evidence

The case involved five defendants, with two defendants pleading guilty earlier in proceedings and one defendant pleading guilty on the day of trial. Two defendants stood trial at Winchester Crown Court and were convicted for conspiracy to Supply Class A and B drugs after a three-week trial.

It was a complex case investigated by the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit (SWROCU) as part of Operation Greyline. The case involved covert observations, CCTV analysis, ANPR, phone downloads, messaging and banking records.

Simon and Alex were instructed by Lindsay Pennell, CPS Complex Casework Unit.

About the Barristers

Simon Walters was called to the bar in 2010. He is ranked as ‘Leading Junior’ Tier 3 in Legal500 2027. Simon prosecutes and defends cases involving complex and expert evidence. He is regularly instructed in cases of serious violence, rape and other sexual offences and large conspiracies.

To instruct Simon, please contact his clerks Steve McCarthy or Regan Barns on 020 7404 1881

Alex Shanks was called to the bar in 2022. He has a busy practice both prosecuting and defending across a wide range of offences including violence, drug related crime, sexual offences and driving matters

To instruct Alex, contact his clerks Amie Harris or Chloe Little on 020 7404 1881.