Colin Wright, a senior figure in an organised crime group operating out of Scotland, has been sentenced to 13 years in prison for his role in a large-scale drug trafficking operation, specifically involving an amphetamine lab. At 38 years old, Wright was a key player as the leader of the Scottish branch of the gang, which was heavily implicated in the illegal trade of heroin and cocaine. His arrest followed a significant crackdown by the National Crime Agency (NCA) in March 2021, which led to the capture of several of his associates. To elude law enforcement, Wright fled to Murcia, Spain, but his eventual conviction marks the culmination of efforts to dismantle this criminal network.
The criminal gang, of which Wright was a part, had already seen six other members receive sentences, indicating the extensive nature of their illegal activities. Notably, Wright worked closely with other prominent figures in the organisation, including Terence Earle and his cousin Stephen Earle. Terence was sentenced to over 16 years in prison, while Stephen received a punishment of 11 years and four months in August. This crackdown was part of Operation Venetic, a significant initiative led by the UK to address the fallout from the takedown of the EncroChat encrypted communication service in July 2020. Wright’s operations were facilitated through this encrypted network, where he operated under the pseudonym “Jack Nicklaus.”
Wright’s criminal activities included the establishment of an amphetamine lab in Motherwell during the early months of the COVID-19 lockdown in March 2020. This lab was capable of producing an astonishing 1,000 kilograms of amphetamines, a drug notorious for devastating effects on individuals and communities alike. Additionally, Wright was involved in the distribution of at least 20 kilograms of cocaine and 10 kilograms of heroin between Scotland and Merseyside, further compounding the severity of his crimes.
At Liverpool Crown Court, Wright admitted to five charges related to drug trafficking, further cementing his role within this crime syndicate. The consequences of his actions, and those of his gang, extend beyond the arrests and convictions; they evoke significant societal concerns regarding the impact of drug trafficking on public safety and community well-being. The NCA has underscored that the drugs distributed by Wright’s gang contributed to violence and exploitation, thus portraying the broader detrimental effects of their operations in both Scotland and Merseyside.
NCA Branch Commander Cat McHugh commented on the importance of Wright’s sentencing, stating that it serves as a potent reminder that individuals seeking refuge outside their home countries remain vulnerable to law enforcement efforts. This statement highlights a vital aspect of the global nature of drug trafficking and the challenges faced by authorities in curbing such crime. By successfully prosecuting Wright, law enforcement officials demonstrate their commitment to fighting organized crime, sending a clear message that cooperation and intelligence sharing will continue to play crucial roles in disrupting and dismantling these dangerous networks.
The dismantling of Wright’s organized crime group represents a significant achievement for law enforcement agencies, who have worked diligently to address the pervasive issue of drug trafficking. The case illustrates the far-reaching impacts of such criminal organizations on both a community and wider societal level. The NCA’s actions serve not only to remove dangerous individuals from society but also to address the root causes of violence and exploitation associated with the drug trade, underscoring the ongoing battle against organized crime in the UK and beyond.
