Father and Son Sentenced in Multi-Million Pound Drug Smuggling Plot
A father and son have walked free from court despite their involvement in a sophisticated organised crime group that smuggled more than £20 million worth of heroin into the United Kingdom. The class A drugs were concealed within shipments of pomegranate juice imported from Afghanistan.
The Elaborate Smuggling Operation
Colin Bartlett, 54, and his son Lee Bartlett, 30, were key players in a criminal enterprise that used a front company as cover. In May 2023, National Crime Agency (NCA) officers moved in on a industrial unit in Birmingham as the men, along with eleven paid workers, began unloading a shipping container.
The container held 2.6 tonnes of pomegranate juice, but hidden amongst the legitimate bottles was a massive consignment of heroin. The deadly drug, weighing over 420 kilograms, had been dissolved into the liquid itself, making detection difficult. The seizure was one of the largest of its kind, with the haul having an estimated street value of £20,350,000.
Court Proceedings and Sentencing
Following a trial at Birmingham Crown Court, the pair were found guilty in August 2025 of participating in the activities of an organised crime group. However, when they returned to court for sentencing on Friday, both men received suspended prison terms.
Colin Bartlett was sentenced to 24 months' imprisonment, suspended for two years. His son, Lee Bartlett, received an 18-month sentence, also suspended for two years. This means the two will not serve immediate jail time unless they breach the conditions of their suspension.
NCA's Ongoing Hunt for Fugitives
NCA Branch Commander Derek Evans condemned the group's actions, stating they sought to generate "millions of pounds of criminal profit and endanger vulnerable people across the country." He reaffirmed that tackling class A drug trafficking remains a top priority for the agency.
The investigation remains active, and the NCA is appealing to the public for help in locating two other men wanted in connection with the case. Shamut Khan, 56, and Matiullah Zamankhel, 23, both from the Washwood Heath area of Birmingham, failed to answer bail in November 2023.
Mr Evans warned that anyone assisting the fugitives could face arrest themselves. The public is urged to contact the NCA on 0370 496 7622 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 with any information.
