Briton jailed for over 22 years after being extradited from UAE
Prasun Sonwalkar/London
Photo Credit: Cheshire Police
Leon Cullen, 33, was brought back to Cheshire in north-west England in February 2021
Leon Cullen, leader of a firearms-and-cocaine network who fled Britain in 2018, obtained a false passport, and used it over a two-year period before being captured on an international arrest warrant in Dubai in 2020, has now been jailed for 22 years and six months.
Cullen, 33, was extradited from the UAE and brought back to Cheshire in northwest England in February 2021.
Earlier in May, he was sentenced at Liverpool Crown Court after pleading guilty to conspiracy to supply firearms, conspiracy to possess ammunition, and conspiracy to supply cocaine.
27 May, 2021 08:54
Suspected cannabis worth an estimated £900,000 has been seized by police during a cross-border operation targeting organised crime.
It took place last night along the main A1 road near Loughbrickland in County Down.
Police and officials from Her Majesty s Revenue and Customs were involved. The PSNI says its officers were supported by colleagues from An Garda Síochána.
One man has been arrested.
Detective Chief Inspector Richard Thornton from PSNI Organised Crime Unit said: “During this evening’s operation, as officers stopped a van to speak with the driver, he exited the vehicle and initially made off on foot, but was quickly arrested. While carrying out a search of the van, we recovered suspected cannabis with an estimated street value of £900,000 and £1,000 in cash. The male is currently helping with ongoing enquiries.
A 34-year-old Langford woman was arrested and more than $15,000 worth of marijuana was seized. On May 19, a suspicious vehicle was reported at Goldstream Avenue and Wenger Terrace. Police discovered the driver had fled on a skateboard and the vehicle looked like it had been driven on its rims. After investigating, police identified a 29-year-old Victoria man with an arrest warrant, who was arrested May 20. The arrest led to finding 34.57 grams of suspected cocaine, 33.68 grams of suspected crack cocaine and 11.69 grams of suspected methamphetamine, as well as bear spray, imitation firearms and over $1,000 cash. The final case was on May 21, when an alleged prolific shoplifter was reported at the Colwood Corners London Drugs.