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Four members of an organised drug supply chain have been jailed after 10kg of cocaine was seized in a proactive investigation led by Surrey Police’s Serious Organised Crime Unit (SOCU).
The gang operated across Redhill, Horley, Reigate, Crawley, and into London, distributing Class A drugs across the south-east. Their downfall began after Christopher Brewer, 35, was observed loading a bin liner into his Audi in Redhill in May 2024. He was stopped by police and found in possession of 5kg of cocaine.
Further Arrests and Seizures
Subsequent raids and vehicle stops led to a string of arrests:
- Maria Rivas Santos, 32, was caught with 5kg of cocaine in a laundry bag in the boot of a hired BMW, forcibly stopped by armed officers in London.
- Michael White, 54, suspected courier, was found with 250g of cocaine hidden in his underwear.
- Craig Brewer, 38, older brother of Christopher, was arrested with wraps of cocaine, and £10,000 cash. Officers found attempts to flush drugs down a toilet at his home.
Investigators also found evidence linking Christopher Brewer to the purchase of 15kg of cocaine from a Liverpool-based crime group.
All four suspects pleaded guilty and were sentenced at Guildford Crown Court today (2 July).
Police: “We Hit Them Where It Hurts”
Detective Constable Matt Earl, of the SOCU team, said:
“These individuals had key roles in a network distributing illegal drugs in the south-east and were living off the profits of their crimes.
Through the hard work and perseverance of our team, supported by various Surrey Police departments and the South East Regional Organised Crime Unit, we were able to catch them in the act.
10kg of cocaine is now off our streets – and these criminals are behind bars.”
Community Reassurance
Inspector Jon Vale, Borough Commander for Reigate and Banstead, acknowledged the high-profile police activity:
“I know the raids last year caused concern, but I hope this result reassures the public.
Drug supply doesn’t just fuel addiction—it brings violence, theft, and even untimely deaths.
Tackling those who profit from this destruction remains a key priority.”
This major operation marks a significant blow to drug trafficking in Surrey, and police say they remain committed to dismantling organised crime.