GLOBAL DRUGS GANG 'DESTROYED'

A leading gang member of the largest cocaine smuggling operation to target
the UK has been jailed for nine years.

Hilton John Van Staden, a 52-year-old South African, pleaded guilty on
Friday at Bristol Crown Court to conspiracy to import drugs.

Fifteen people have been convicted worldwide and customs officers say they
have disrupted a major global trafficking ring.

Sentences totalling 206 years have already been handed out following a
massive customs operation involving South America, Europe and the Carribean.

Judge John Foley told Staden he would not be considered for parole until he
had served half of his sentence, and would probably not be released until
he had served at least two-thirds.

The judge said: "Those who are part of conspiracies to smuggle large
quantities of class A drugs, if they are successful, achieve substantial
rewards.

"If they are unsuccessful they achieve substantial penalties and your case
is no exception."

In 1996 an Irish vessel called the Sea Mist, destined for the UK, was
searched by customs officials in Cork.

Officials found nearly 600 kilos of cocaine, triggering an international
intelligence operation.

Over a six-year period 15 people were arrested and convicted in the UK and
abroad.

The court heard how Staden, a keen sailor with good contacts in the
yachting industry, became involved in the drugs smuggling ring in 1997 when
approached by his friend and gang member Godfried Hoppenbrouwers.

This was a complex and lengthy case that took our officers across the world

Jim Fitzpatrick, investigation officer The court heard Staden organised
yachts to transport millions of pounds worth of cocaine from the Caribbean
to the UK, but had little direct contact with the drugs.

Mark Sutherland-Williams, prosecuting, said that in 1998 Staden brought
three or four yachts "loaded with drugs" from the West Indies to the UK.

Staden was arrested in London in March 2000 when he tried to access a
safety deposit box, in which he kept about UKP 500,000 in cash and contact
details for the other members of the drugs smuggling gang.

Craig Rush, defending, said Staden was a "decent man" who had "succumbed to
greed".

Mr Rush said Staden was not a major player in the drugs smuggling operation
and credit should be given to him for his guilty plea and the fact that he
was a foreign prisoner who was away from his wife and family.

After the sentencing, assistant chief investigation officer, Jim
Fitzpatrick, said: "This was a complex and lengthy case that took our
officers across the world.

"They showed dedication and professionalism throughout the whole
investigation and trial."