Chronological coverage updated 2nd October 2026 15:25.
Update 1 · 2nd October 2026
Liverpool Syndicate Jailed Over Multi-Million Drug Export Operation to Australasia
Four members of a Liverpool-based organised crime group have received lengthy custodial sentences for attempting to smuggle high-value class A and B narcotics to Australia and New Zealand. The syndicate systematically exploited fast parcel delivery services to send concealed drugs across international borders.
A single 252.8kg shipment of 'pink cocaine' intercepted by Border Force had a street value of £11.3 million in the UK and $57 million in Australia. — according to National Crime Agency.
Smuggling tactics and interceptions
In October 2024, gang members dropped off an industrial bench cutting saw containing 252.8kg of 'pink cocaine'—a mixture of MDMA, ketamine, and caffeine stamped with Pink Panther logos—at a courier driver in Liverpool. Suspicious of the shipment, the driver notified Border Force, triggering a wider National Crime Agency investigation.
Despite the seizure, the group attempted eight additional drug exports between February and March 2025. These included shipping 8kg of MDMA from Lancaster, 2.9kg of methamphetamine from Warrington, 11.6kg of MDMA from Speke, and 6kg of ketamine disguised inside a package labelled as a whiskey decanter.
Extradition and court sentences
Conspirator Teo Grbesic fled to Germany following the initial interceptions but was arrested in Duisburg near the Dutch border and extradited back to the UK in July. At Liverpool Crown Court, ringleader Lee Brittles received 17 years and eight months, Grbesic was sentenced to 13 years and four months, Karl Dalton was jailed for 12 years, and Ashley Armstrong received 10 years and four months.
Australian authorities worked alongside the NCA to arrest a co-conspirator in New South Wales who was designated to receive the shipments. That individual admitted involvement and faces sentencing in Australia.
- Four Liverpool gang members were jailed for a combined 53-plus years for international drug smuggling.
- Nine separate drug export attempts using parcel couriers were disrupted by law enforcement.
- An Australian counterpart linked to the network faces sentencing following international cooperation.