An organised crime group involved in the import, export, and production of synthetic cannabinoids, commonly known as Spice, has been sentenced to significant prison terms today at Bristol Crown Court. The convictions follow a meticulous investigation led by the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit (SWROCU).

The central figure of the criminal operation, Quyen To, aged 42 from William Morris Way in Swindon, orchestrated the group’s illicit activities. To has been sentenced to 16 years in prison after pleading guilty to the charges.

The investigation commenced in the summer of 2020 when UK Border Force intercepted a shipment of 4kg of Spice crystals intended for properties linked to To.

Subsequent raids at To’s residence in Swindon and another property in Calne revealed a sophisticated drug production setup in To’s garage.

His nephew, Rio Nguyen, then aged 17, was apprehended on-site while preparing the drugs for distribution.

Evidence uncovered during the operation revealed that To had been orchestrating the distribution of Spice both domestically and internationally. The investigation revealed connections to countries such as Kuwait and Nigeria, as well as smaller-scale deals conducted online across the UK.

To’s criminal network extended to family members and associates, including his estranged wife Kati To, his sister Vicky To, and Michael Clarke. Despite their pleas of innocence, all were found guilty of their involvement in the operation during a trial at Bristol Crown Court.

Michael Clarke, convicted of importation and conspiracy to supply class B drugs, was handed a seven-year sentence. Vicky To, found guilty of importation, exportation, and supply of class B drugs, was sentenced to six years.

Rio Nguyen, involved in the exportation and supply of class B drugs, received a two-year and two-month sentence. Kati To, convicted of money laundering, received a suspended ten-month sentence along with unpaid work.

DI Claire Smith from SWROCU emphasized the severity of the group’s activities and expressed satisfaction with the lengthy prison sentences imposed. She affirmed SWROCU’s commitment to disrupting serious and organised crime.

James Foster, Senior Crown Prosecutor for CPS Wessex, highlighted the collaborative efforts between investigators and prosecutors in securing convictions. Foster underscored the impact of drug supply on society and expressed hope that the sentences would serve as a deterrent to others engaging in similar criminal endeavours.