Fourth Man Sentenced in Prison Cannabis Smuggling Conspiracy
A man described as a significant player in a plot to smuggle cannabis into a prison near Wolverhampton has been sentenced, becoming the fourth person convicted in the conspiracy. The scheme involved disguising drug wraps as Double Decker chocolate bars to evade detection.
Details of the Smuggling Operation
Loen Burton, aged 30, was involved in the internal drug trade at HMP Oakwood in Featherstone. His role in the conspiracy came to light when his telephone was linked to the operation, which saw serving prison officer Robert Anderson bring drugs into the facility for distribution. Burton, who is already serving a life sentence for murder, was jailed for an additional 20 months at Wolverhampton Crown Court on Monday for conspiring to supply a class B controlled drug. He received a further five months consecutively for transmitting an image or sound from a prison without authority.
The court heard that Burton did not play a leading role, with Yousef Abdullahi identified as the main organiser. However, Burton was actively involved in distributing drugs within the prison under Abdullahi's direction, playing a significant role in the cannabis plot. He was not directly linked to Anderson but facilitated the internal movement of substances.
Investigation and Previous Sentences
The group's conviction follows an investigation by officers at the West Midlands Regional Organised Crime Unit (ROCU). The probe revealed that Anderson had been concealing cannabis in Double Decker chocolate bars to smuggle into HMP Oakwood. In December 2022, Anderson was searched on prison grounds, leading to the discovery of drugs with an estimated prison value of £13,000.
Officers then searched Anderson's home address, finding a large quantity of cash and a mobile phone that showed significant contact with inmates. Further inquiries uncovered that Waqqas Mughal, aged 36, of Smethwick, had hidden sim cards in his cell, revealing his communication with Anderson and several wraps of cannabis. Cell searches of Abdullahi, aged 31, also revealed illicit mobile phones detailing drug-dealing arrangements made within the prison.
Prior to Burton's sentencing, Anderson, Mughal, and Abdullahi had already been sentenced to more than 11 years collectively for their roles in the smuggling, which took place in 2022.
Defence and Sentencing Remarks
Defending Burton, Earl Pinnock stated that his client had spent most of his adult life behind bars, having been incarcerated since the age of 17. Pinnock argued that Burton had become a role model to other prisoners, particularly since his transfer from Oakwood, and was keen to complete his sentence and move on.
In sentencing remarks, Judge Richard Grimshaw noted that he was being as lenient as possible, acknowledging Burton's progress in prison had been marred by the offending. The judge expressed satisfaction that Burton was not the main instigator but emphasised that his future upon release would depend on his own actions. He remarked, You are a man now and have spent a lot of time in prison but have admirable plans for when you are released and that will very much depend on you.
This case highlights ongoing efforts to combat drug smuggling within the prison system, with authorities continuing to target organised crime networks operating behind bars.
