A father and son from Birmingham have been sentenced following a National Crime Agency (NCA) investigation that exposed a large-scale heroin smuggling operation worth more than £20 million. Colin Bartlett, 54, and his son Lee Bartlett, 30, were involved in an organised crime group that used a front company to import heroin disguised within shipments of pomegranate juice from Afghanistan.
The case began in May 2023, when NCA officers intercepted a shipping container that had arrived in Birmingham. The container held 2.6 tonnes of pomegranate juice, but investigators had already identified it as suspicious. When the container was opened, officers discovered that some of the bottles had been mixed with heroin. The total amount of class A drugs seized weighed more than 420 kilograms, with an estimated street value of £20,350,000.
The Bartletts were placed under surveillance as part of the NCA’s wider investigation. Officers observed as the two men and 11 paid workers began unloading the container. Once the operation was confirmed, NCA teams moved in and made arrests at the scene.
Both Colin and Lee Bartlett were found guilty in August 2025 at Birmingham Crown Court of participating in the criminal activities of an organised crime group. On 21 November, they returned to the same court to receive their sentences. Colin Bartlett was handed a 24-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, while Lee Bartlett received an 18-month prison sentence, also suspended for two years. Suspended sentences mean the men will not go to prison immediately but can be jailed if they reoffend.
NCA Branch Commander Derek Evans emphasized the seriousness of the criminal operation. He explained that the individuals involved sought to import huge quantities of heroin that would have generated millions in criminal profit and caused harm across the country. He added that tackling class A drug trafficking remains a top priority for the agency.
As part of the ongoing investigation, the NCA continues to search for two additional suspects: 56-year-old Shamut Khan and 23-year-old Matiullah Zamankhel, both from the Washwood Heath area of Birmingham. The pair failed to answer bail in November 2023, and warrants remain outstanding for their arrest.
Evans said the agency believes the two men have strong connections to the Alum Rock and Shaw Hill Road areas but may have travelled further. He reiterated that the NCA will continue its efforts until both suspects are located.
The NCA also reminded the public that anyone helping the two wanted individuals could face legal consequences. Authorities encouraged anyone with information about their whereabouts to contact the National Crime Agency directly or provide anonymous tips through Crimestoppers.
The investigation highlights the continued challenge posed by organised crime networks attempting to smuggle drugs into the UK using increasingly sophisticated methods. The NCA maintains that strong international cooperation and local community support remain essential in disrupting the flow of illegal drugs and bringing offenders to justice.
