Joseph and Gregory Mulhare, two brothers from Wirral, were the masterminds behind a large drug operation involving cocaine and ecstasy. They lived lavishly, traveling to beautiful locations like Ibiza, Tenerife, and the U.S., thanks to their illegal activities.
Their drug ring was estimated to be worth millions. They didn’t just deal in cocaine; they were also tied to manufacturing large amounts of amphetamines. This operation took place in an abandoned shop in Rock Ferry, where they produced drugs in secret.
However, their empire came crashing down when a police informer, Ronnie Bateman, turned on them. After escaping the UK, the brothers were eventually arrested in a hotel in Thailand in November 2018 while they slept. They had been on the run for over a year before they chose to return to the UK instead of facing a harsh jail sentence in Thailand.
Joseph was considered the brains behind the operation, orchestrating activities from behind the scenes while delegating tasks to others. Prosecutor Ian Unsworth described him as a formidable figure who operated with great secrecy. His brother Gregory played a more active role, directly managing drivers and coordinating drug deliveries.
The Mulhare brothers had a disciplined and ruthless approach to their business. They produced around 200,000 ecstasy pills in a Birkenhead cellar and transported drugs all over the UK, from Scotland to the South of England. To avoid detection, they used encrypted phones, making it difficult for members to know who else was involved.
Police began investigating the gang under Operation Manhattan, which ran from December 2015 until September 2017. Bateman, initially a trusted associate, revealed extensive details about the gang’s inner workings, which helped law enforcement build their case.
The police seized significant quantities of drugs and cash in one of their operations, totaling over a million pounds, which included cocaine, MDMA, amphetamines, and cannabis. Most gang members were arrested under the investigation, but the Mulhares managed to leave the country shortly beforehand. They traveled to Morocco and then onto Thailand, continuing their business from abroad.
When they were finally captured in Thailand, the authorities documented the arrest. The police had to rely on reliable informants like Bateman, who provided crucial information on their operations and connections. He confirmed that Joseph was at the top of the organization, and any actions taken had to go through him.
In court, both brothers pleaded guilty. Joseph received a sentence of 15 years and four months, while Gregory was given 12 years and eight months. A total of 24 members of their gang faced charges, showcasing the extensive reach and impact of their illegal operations.
Detective Chief Inspector Ian Hussey spoke about the investigation, noting the brothers’ significant role in the drug trade. He emphasized how their actions brought harm to countless people throughout the UK, highlighting the broader consequences of their criminal activities.
Check out this related article: Surge in Fatty Liver Disease Among Children: How Junk Food and Sedentary Lifestyles Are to Blame | Latest News from Nagpur
Source linkCrime
