A 60-year-old man from Stockbridge Village has admitted his involvement in an international drug trafficking operation after being arrested in the Netherlands and extradited to the UK. Francis Coggins pleaded guilty to six charges related to the importation and supply of heroin and cocaine during a hearing at Liverpool Crown Court.
Coggins was apprehended in the Dutch coastal town of Zandvoort on June 3 following a coordinated effort by UK and Dutch law enforcement agencies. He appeared in court via video link from HMP Manchester and now awaits sentencing.
Key Takeaways
- Francis Coggins, 60, pleaded guilty to six charges involving Class A drugs (heroin and cocaine).
- He was arrested in Zandvoort, Netherlands, on June 3 as part of an international police operation.
- The charges relate to conspiracies to import and supply drugs between 2019 and 2020.
- Sentencing is scheduled for November 17 at Liverpool Crown Court.
International Arrest Ends Manhunt
Francis Coggins, of The Spinney in Stockbridge Village, was located and arrested outside a residence in Zandvoort, a town on the coast of the Netherlands, earlier this year. His arrest on June 3 was the result of a joint investigation involving the National Crime Agency (NCA), the North West Regional Organised Crime Unit (NWROCU), and the Dutch National Police.
Following his capture, Coggins appeared before a court in Amsterdam on June 4, where extradition proceedings to bring him back to the United Kingdom were initiated. He was wanted by the NWROCU under a trade and cooperation agreement warrant for his alleged role in smuggling large quantities of Class A drugs.
Coordinated Law Enforcement Effort
The successful apprehension of Coggins highlights the close working relationship between UK and European police forces. Such operations rely on intelligence sharing and legal frameworks like the trade and cooperation agreement to track and extradite fugitives across international borders.
The operation demonstrates the extensive reach of UK law enforcement agencies in pursuing individuals suspected of serious organised crime, regardless of their location.
Court Appearance and Guilty Pleas
On September 24, Francis Coggins appeared at Liverpool Crown Court from HMP Manchester through a video link. During the hearing, the 60-year-old, described as grey-haired and wearing glasses, entered guilty pleas to all six charges against him.
The charges detail a sophisticated and prolonged criminal enterprise. Coggins admitted to his role in trafficking both heroin and cocaine over a significant period.
The Specific Charges
Coggins pleaded guilty to the following six counts:
- Two counts of conspiracy to fraudulently evade the prohibition on the import of heroin and cocaine between May 2019 and October 2020.
- Two counts of conspiracy to supply heroin and cocaine within England and Wales between March and June 2020.
- Two counts of conspiracy to supply heroin and cocaine outside the jurisdiction of England and Wales during the same period, between March and June 2020.
These admissions confirm his involvement in both the international importation and the domestic and international distribution of illegal drugs.
Sentencing and Legal Proceedings
Following the guilty pleas, the case was adjourned by Judge Denis Watson KC. A date for sentencing has been set for November 17 of this year. The judge outlined a clear timeline for the next steps in the legal process.
"Your case is now adjourned. The next day I'm fixing is the sentence date which is the 17th of November," Judge Watson KC told Coggins during the hearing.
The prosecution is required to serve its written opening of the case by October 20. In response, Coggins' legal team must provide their key submissions by November 10. The judge also indicated that a timetable for proceedings under the Proceeds of Crime Act will be established at the next hearing, which could be used to confiscate any assets gained from his criminal activities.
What is the Proceeds of Crime Act?
The Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (POCA) is a key piece of legislation that allows authorities to seize assets and money that have been acquired through criminal conduct. This process often follows a conviction for offences like drug trafficking.
Agencies Vow to Pursue Fugitives
Senior officials from the agencies involved in the arrest have stressed their determination to track down criminals who flee the UK. They highlighted the importance of international partnerships in ensuring justice is served.
Gill Duggan, Head of Europe at the NCA, commented on the extensive work involved in locating Coggins.
"It does not matter where fugitives go. The agency’s reach and strong relationships with international partners mean we will always tenaciously pursue those wanted by law enforcement.”
This sentiment was echoed by the North West ROCU. Detective Superintendent Zoe Russo emphasised the commitment of her unit to holding offenders accountable.
“This arrest demonstrates our commitment to ensuring that individuals wanted for serious offences, whether in the UK or abroad, are brought to justice. The message is clear: if you are wanted, we will find you.”
These statements serve as a warning to others involved in organised crime that there are no safe havens from UK law enforcement.