Story perspectives

Father and Son Sentenced in £20 Million Heroin Smuggling Case

11/23/2025

Summary

Story summary

Colin Bartlett (54) and his son Lee Bartlett (30) from Bordesley Green, Birmingham, were sentenced for their roles in a heroin smuggling operation after the National Crime Agency uncovered over 420kg of heroin hidden in pomegranate juice imported from Afghanistan, valued at £20.35 million.
The pair were arrested in May 2023 while unloading the shipment.
They were found guilty in August 2025 and received suspended sentences of 24 months and 18 months, respectively.
The National Crime Agency is seeking public assistance to locate two additional suspects, Shamut Khan (56) and Matiullah Zamankhel (23), who failed to answer bail.

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Story summary

Colin Bartlett (54) and his son Lee Bartlett (30) from Bordesley Green, Birmingham, were sentenced for their roles in a heroin smuggling operation after the National Crime Agency uncovered over 420kg of heroin hidden in pomegranate juice imported from Afghanistan, valued at £20.35 million.
The pair were arrested in May 2023 while unloading the shipment.
They were found guilty in August 2025 and received suspended sentences of 24 months and 18 months, respectively.
The National Crime Agency is seeking public assistance to locate two additional suspects, Shamut Khan (56) and Matiullah Zamankhel (23), who failed to answer bail.