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Lottery Winner Sentenced for Running Drug Lab Empire

1/30/2026

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Summary

Story summary

John Eric Spiby, a Wigan lottery winner, was sentenced to 16 years and 6 months for running a drug lab producing fake prescription pills.
The operation expanded to a second lab in Salford, with police intercepting a major drug shipment in 2022.
Spiby's son received nine years, and Lee Drury received nine months for their roles in the network.
The court highlighted Spiby's criminal history and the significant harm to users.

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Story summary

John Eric Spiby, a Wigan lottery winner, was sentenced to 16 years and 6 months for running a drug lab producing fake prescription pills.
The operation expanded to a second lab in Salford, with police intercepting a major drug shipment in 2022.
Spiby's son received nine years, and Lee Drury received nine months for their roles in the network.
The court highlighted Spiby's criminal history and the significant harm to users.