Paul Green, known as 'The Big Fella', was apprehended outside his Cheshire home, marking the downfall of his international crime syndicate. He led the most significant drug smuggling operation in the UK's history, trafficking an estimated £7bn worth of cocaine, heroin, and cannabis concealed in lorries filled with fruits and vegetables.

The National Crime Agency (NCA) executed a dawn raid at Green's residence in 2019, which resulted in his arrest. Footage released by the NCA shows Green being escorted from his detached home in a cul-de-sac in Widnes by two officers.

This week, Green and other associates were sentenced to lengthy prison terms following two significant trials at Manchester Crown Court, for their role in this unprecedented criminal conspiracy.

Authorities seized 450 kilos of heroin and cocaine, and over two tonnes of cannabis with a street value of £39.5m. Prosecutors noted that these seizures were merely the 'tip of an extremely large iceberg', estimating the gang's total importation to be at least £2bn, potentially reaching £7bn.

The gang employed a complex network using 'cover loads' that made customs inspections nearly impossible. Drugs were transported under the guise of fresh produce, using fake companies such as Pot Fresh and Europroduce. Innocent haulage firms involved had no knowledge of the illegal cargo.

Green acted as the chief organiser, collaborating with a Dutch crime syndicate led by Barbara Rijnbout and Johannes Vesters to enhance their drug importation operations.

Despite projecting an image of wealth through luxury cars and Rolex watches, Green had little legitimate income. At the time of his arrest, officers found nearly £10,000 in cash at his home, and his bank statements reflected £26,000 worth of spending on watches and jewelry over six months.

His accomplice, Steven Martin, managed financial operations, while Muhammad Ovais handled arrangements for 'front' companies. Green received a 32-year prison sentence, while Martin and Ovais were sentenced to 28 and 27 years, respectively.

The sentences handed down in May after the first trial, which spanned nearly two years, include:

Paul Green, 59, of Widnes, Cheshire: 32 years for conspiring to import class A and B drugs.

Oliver Penter, 41, of Stockport: 24 years for drug importation.

Steven Martin, 52, of Bolton, and Mohammed Ovais, 46, of Burnage: Both received significant sentences after being found guilty of two counts each of drug importation—Martin for 28 years and Ovais for 27 years.

Iftikhar Hussain, 50, of Leeds: 4 years for assisting an organised crime group.

Russell Leonard, 47, of Kirkby: 24 years for drug conspiracies.

Alan Cumming, 54, of Bootle: 21 years for similar charges.

Barbara Rijnbout, 52, and Johannes Vesters, 54, from the Netherlands: Rijnbout received 18 years, and Vesters received 20 years for their roles in the conspiracy.

Details of the case have now emerged following a nine-month linked trial that concluded recently. Two other gang members received suspended sentences, while five additional defendants await sentencing later this month.