Incident Overview: On May 31 last year, at Manchester Airport, a major drug bust occurred when £8 million worth of cocaine was discovered in suitcases. The investigation revealed that seven individuals, recruited by crime bosses, were flown to the UK to pick up 12 bags containing over 300kg of Class A drugs.

Initial Arrests: The operation unraveled when one of the bags triggered an alarm in the X-ray machine, leading to the immediate arrest of three members of the group. Four others were detained at the nearby DoubleTree Hilton Hotel, with two found in bed when officers arrived.

Participants: All recruits were US nationals, divided into teams flying from different locations. Key individuals included:

• Brian Marealle, 32, and Laquesa Greer, 50 from JFK Airport, New York
• Charles Mass, 29, and his girlfriend Brianna Hunt, 22 from Orlando
• Yulibeth Gonzalez, 26; Leandra Royer, 26; and Chloe Sandoval, 24 from Los Angeles via Düsseldorf

Planning and Coordination: The group's arrivals were synchronized with an incoming flight from Cancun, which carried 12 suitcases, each marked with different name tags. They were promised payments of $4,000 to $5,000 for their involvement.

Key Orchestrators: The operation was orchestrated by an individual referred to as 'Nate', collaborating with an associate named 'Cruz'. Communications were handled via WhatsApp and Telegram.

Failed Operations: Prior attempts to deliver drugs included a failed trip on May 11, where a suitcase containing 20kg of cocaine went unclaimed, and another on May 24 that ended with no delivery. Members sent messages about the logistics and reassured themselves with notions of safety and profit.

The Bust: On the day of the arrests, staff at Terminal 2 noticed a suspicious bag, leading to the intervention of Border Force officers. Instructions had been given to hide prior to retrieval, but when the plan collapsed, members fled or attempted to proceed with the pickup.

Arrests at the Hilton: By the end of the day, several individuals were arrested at the Hilton, with some found naked in bed, highlighting the disarray of the situation. Notably, one suitcase was never recovered, while the others contained cocaine valued at approximately £700,000.

Legal Consequences: Six individuals pleaded guilty to drug-related charges, while Marealle opted for a trial, resulting in a conviction. Sentences ranged from seven years to 13 years, with all facing automatic deportation to the US after serving their time. Sandoval is scheduled for sentencing on February 14.

Judicial Remarks: Judge Tom Gilbart emphasized the operation's sophistication and the conscious decision of those involved to engage in illegal activities for monetary gain. He noted varying levels of culpability among the defendants, addressing the manipulative nature of the criminal network that exploited their naivety.