Organised Crime Gang Jailed Over £24.5 Million Drug Smuggling Operation Orchestrated from Prison Cell

A major international drug smuggling network has been dismantled following a complex investigation led by Sussex Police’s Serious Organised Crime Unit (SOCU), in collaboration with the National Crime Agency (NCA) and Yorkshire and Humber Regional Organised Crime Unit (YHROCU). The gang, responsible for trafficking almost a tonne of cocaine and ketamine into the UK, has […]

A major international drug smuggling network has been dismantled following a complex investigation led by Sussex Police’s Serious Organised Crime Unit (SOCU), in collaboration with the National Crime Agency (NCA) and Yorkshire and Humber Regional Organised Crime Unit (YHROCU).

The gang, responsible for trafficking almost a tonne of cocaine and ketamine into the UK, has now been sentenced to a combined total of 56 years’ imprisonment – with the ringleader coordinating the operation from behind bars.

The investigation uncovered how Arturas Jusas, 38, a convicted people smuggler already serving a prison sentence at HMP Highpoint in Suffolk, directed a large-scale importation of illegal drugs from his cell using mobile phones. Jusas oversaw communications with other gang members via encrypted chat groups such as ‘Unload 1’ and ‘Loading’, through which the logistics of the smuggling routes were arranged.

On 26 July 2023, acting on intelligence, Sussex Police intercepted two vans on the A26 at Maresfield carrying 70kg of cocaine and 632kg of ketamine, with a street value of approximately £24.5 million. The drugs, concealed in 30 cardboard boxes, had been brought into the country via Newhaven port by lorry driver Pavel Budzko. From there, they were transferred to two vans for inland distribution.

Those arrested at the scene included Charlotte Moore, 32, and Stephen Norris, 36, both from Hull, who occupied one van, and Abdul Soohraby, 53, from Sheffield, who was driving the other. Moore and Norris were later linked to a separate smuggling attempt in May 2023. DNA evidence tied them and another driver, Kiryl Laptseu, to the earlier importation of 107kg of cocaine.

On 27 June 2024, Lewes Crown Court handed down the following sentences:

Stephen Norris: 10 years’ imprisonment

Charlotte Moore: 13 years’ imprisonment

Pavel Budzko: 9 years’ imprisonment

Kiryl Laptseu: 9 years’ imprisonment

Abdul Soohraby: Acquitted

Key to the case was forensic analysis of mobile phones, revealing chat logs from encrypted apps such as WhatsApp. These uncovered evidence of planning, coordination, and financial transactions within the OCG. A significant breakthrough came when Essex Police seized a phone from Andrew Gudz during a separate money laundering investigation. The phone, linked to a group titled ‘Unload 1’, contained messages coordinating the July 2023 importation.

Police were able to identify other key players, including: Andrew Gudz, 39, Ihor Korobets, 42 and Russell King, 63. Each of them played a crucial role in the logistics of the drug runs. King, in particular, was found to have met with Budzko in France to load the 30 boxes onto the lorry before its journey to the UK. His phone also revealed plans for multiple other shipments.

King was arrested in August 2024 after being caught smuggling 100kg of ketamine into the UK in a motorhome.

On 8 July 2025, Lewes Crown Court (sitting at Hove) issued the following sentences after a lengthy trial:

Andrew Gudz: 18 years’ imprisonment (conspiracy to import Class A and B drugs),

Ihor Korobets: 16 years’ imprisonment (conspiracy to import Class A and B drugs)

Russell King: 22 years’ imprisonment (conspiracy to import Class A drugs)

Arturas Jusas has pleaded guilty and will be sentenced at a later date.

Police Statements: Detective Constable Laura Pettitt, of Sussex SOCU, commented “Our investigation revealed that Jusas orchestrated one of the largest drug seizures in Sussex history from within prison. He exploited encrypted communications to organise shipments and disguise illegal cargo as legitimate freight. This gang operated with calculated precision, motivated by greed and profit.”

Detective Superintendent Tim Shaw added “This was a complex, multi-agency operation that successfully dismantled a national-level organised crime group. Their activities brought not only drugs but violence, exploitation, and fear into our communities. These convictions will make our society safer.”

Authorities emphasised the broader societal harm caused by such operations. The supply of Class A drugs is linked to increased violence, addiction, and exploitation, particularly of vulnerable young people. Sussex Police reiterated their commitment to pursuing all levels of criminal enterprise, from ground-level couriers to orchestrators operating from supposed confinement.

The case stands as a stark reminder of the evolving methods used by criminal networks and the persistent efforts required by law enforcement to combat them.

If you have any information about drug-related crime in your area, contact Sussex Police on 101 or report anonymously via Crimestoppers.