‘We’ve got a baby in the car’ Drug gang couple’s fake 999 call amid £250m bust

A drug gang couple made a fake 999 call, claiming a kidnapping, in an attempt to halt a £250 million drug bust. Erin Lee and Michael Hardie hoped to disrupt the investigation into their drug ring, but their plan failed. The scheme led to the arrest of seven more individuals involved in the narcotics gang during court proceedings. The operation involved transporting drugs to a farm, where they were repackaged and distributed to couriers across the UK.

The North West Regional Organised Crime Unit (NWROCU) conducted a thorough investigation in Deeside, Flintshire, Wales, leading to the seizure of over two tonnes of class A drugs as part of Operation Falcon. Previous convictions related to the gang involved individuals who were sentenced to a combined 55 years. Charles Dilworth, one of the suspects, received a jail term of seven years and six months for his role in the drug conspiracy.

Erin Lee and Michael Hardie’s deceptive 999 call, falsely reporting a kidnapping, led to their arrest for attempting to pervert the course of justice. Hardie was sentenced to 12 months in prison, while Erin Lee and her sister received an eight-month suspended sentence. The investigation also resulted in the conviction of drug suppliers and couriers from various locations. These individuals were involved in distributing class A drugs across Liverpool, South Yorkshire, and London.

In conclusion, the failed attempt by the drug gang couple to deceive authorities highlights the lengths individuals may go to in trying to evade justice. The successful investigation and prosecution of those involved demonstrate the dedication of law enforcement agencies in tackling drug-related crime and ensuring that perpetrators are brought to justice.