EX-PARAS 'SET UP NATIONWIDE DRUG RING'

A team of former paratroopers set up a multimillion-pound drug smuggling
ring, a court was told yesterday.

They are accused of using their military expertise to distribute cannabis
and amphetamines in an operation spanning Britain.

The former members of the 3rd Battalion the Parachute Regiment are alleged
to have recruited couriers for drug-running missions from Dover to Scotland
and Wales. One courier is alleged to have moved drugs worth pounds 4 million.

Adrian Howells, 32, and John Davidson, 32, former paratroops, and John
Bloodworth, 29, a former soldier, are on trial for being part of the gang.

Neil Bidder, QC, for the prosecution, said: "The other conspirators were
other members of the 3rd Parachute Regiment based in Dover, family and
friends.

John Bloodworth's brother Steven was said to be the main organiser. Cardiff
Crown Court was told that the gang set up a secondhand car sales business
as a cover for their cash and for running couriers around the country.

The court was told that police found a military-style list of instructions
to John from his ex-Para brother, Steven, 29.

Mr Bidder said a letter contained a set of instructions. "It said: 'I'll
sort by landline'. 'Landline' is a common word used in the Army. It also
said: 'Can you collect paperwork from all at about 18.00 hours' - another
military reference."

Mr Bidder told the court that amphetamine, weighing scales, clingfilm and
gloves were found in John Bloodworth's bedroom.

Mr Bidder said that when Mr Bloodworth was interviewed, "he accepted that
the amphetamine was his and that he intended to supply it. But he was part
of a larger conspiracy supplying amphetamine and cannabis."

The court was told that drugs transported by a courier, Mark Ralph, 34,
could have been worth up to pounds 4.8 million. It also heard that the ring
was broken when it was discovered that Mr Ralph was giving information to
the police. Another alleged member of the gang was arrested in Penrith,
Cumbria, the court was told. Mr Bidder said: "A sports bag with cannabis
resin was found in his car and the drugs were to be delivered to Scotland."

John Bloodworth, of St Dials, Cwmbran, South Wales, Mr Howells, of Thanet
Gardens, Folkstone, and Mr Davidson, of Odo Road, Dover, both Kent, all
deny conspiracy to supply amphetamine and cannabis.

The case continues.