The popular Channel 4 documentary series, 24 Hours in Police Custody, is set to air an episode following the investigation into the dealing of crystal meth and cocaine across the East of England. The investigation started after Neighbourhood Support Team officers found £10,000 worth of drugs including crystal meth and cocaine in a car on the A47 near Peterborough.
The programme will follow the Eastern Region Special Operations Unit (ERSOU) uncovering a major operation that allowed it to seize more than £1.5 million worth of drugs in Norfolk. The ERSOU found drugs hidden in secret compartments in equipment being shipped into the UK.
This led to detectives realising they might be able to break an international South American cartel through this discovery. The detectives went on to charge three men in connection with the drugs operation including Toby Bunting, 52, of Park Road, Peterborough.
In August last year, Bunting was sentenced two and a half years in prison after admitting to two counts of possession with intent to supply class A, two counts of possession with intent to supply class B, acquiring criminal property, and possession of a firearm.
In May 2023, Axel Ritter Cruz, 39, of King Street, Norwich, and Daniel Fordham, 34, of Saxon Way, Fakenham, were sent to prison for their connections to the operation.
Ritter Cruz was jailed for 16 years for admitting to the importation of cocaine and methyl-amphetamine and possession with intent to supply both substances. Fordham was jailed for ten years after admitting conspiracy to supply methyl-amphetamine.
Detective Chief Inspector Mick Birch, from ERSOU’s Regional Organised Crime Unit (ROCU), said: “Crystal meth is an incredibly dangerous and addictive substance. It’s vital that it doesn’t make its way into our communities, and we’re committed to targeting those looking to profit from the misery of others by selling such perilous substances.”
The episode will air on Channel 4 and Channel 4 HD on Monday, January 13, at 9pm and will be available on My4 after it has aired.