Three cleared of cocaine smuggling conspiracy
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.THREE MEN were cleared yesterday of being involved in a conspiracy to smuggle top-quality cocaine worth pounds 7.2m on the streets into Britain.
There were emotional scenes at Bristol Crown Court as the jury returned not-guilty verdicts on Colin Wallbridge, 22, of Newport, Gwent; John Jones, 27, of no fixed address; and Merlin Meyer, 21, of Bristol.
The verdicts came at the end of a three-month trial during which the prosecution had alleged that the trio were couriers who knowingly brought 80 to 85 per cent-pure Bolivian cocaine into Britain at Stansted airport, Essex, on 27 July, 1992.
The jury, which spent four days considering verdicts, had heard the three say that they believed they were smuggling diamonds - and that they knew nothing of the cocaine, which was in gift-wrapped packages in their suitcases. They said they were in fear of the plot organiser and financier, Derek Gregory, 26, who was convicted earlier this week.
Also convicted this week was Gregory's half-brother Ernest Ford, 33 - the 'minder' for the cocaine haul when it arrived in Britain - and Lee Cameron, 26, who recruited couriers for the plot.
Gregory, of Paddington, west London; Cameron, of Easton, Bristol; and Ford, of Streatham, south London, are to be sentenced next month.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments