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80-Year-Old Lottery Winner Jailed for £288M Drug Operation

2/7/2026

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Summary

Story summary

John Spiby, an 80-year-old former lottery winner, was sentenced to 16 years and six months for leading a £288 million drug operation from his home in Astley, Greater Manchester.
The gang produced counterfeit drugs, including 2.6 million fake Diazepam tablets, and operated a second lab in Salford.
Police uncovered the operation in 2022, leading to multiple arrests and seizures of firearms and cash.

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Story summary

John Spiby, an 80-year-old former lottery winner, was sentenced to 16 years and six months for leading a £288 million drug operation from his home in Astley, Greater Manchester.
The gang produced counterfeit drugs, including 2.6 million fake Diazepam tablets, and operated a second lab in Salford.
Police uncovered the operation in 2022, leading to multiple arrests and seizures of firearms and cash.