Jersey - Six Months After Drug Ring Convictions – 40 Kids, £40K Cash, and Banks Still Uncharged

In May 2025 it was reported that more than 40 kids as young as 12 were exploited in a scheme to smuggle nearly $2.5 million worth of cannabis, MDMA, cocaine and ketamine by mail into the island of Jersey off the coast of northwest France.

The exploited kids, living in Jersey, would receive mailed articles stuffed with drugs at their homes - teddy bears, karaoke machines or pillows—and then hand them over to drug dealers in the isolated British territory. This was part of a UK-based county lines network operating in Jersey.

Ongoing Investigations

• Evidence: Investigators found signs of money laundering through local businesses and banks, including 21 warrants executed, recovery of £40,000 cash, luxury goods (Rolex watches), and links to proceeds of crime.
• Status: While evidence exists, no prosecutions of banks or businesses have been reported yet. This remains an outstanding issue, raising questions about regulatory enforcement and MONEYVAL commitments.[5]

Overview of the Case

• Scale & Exploitation: Around 50–55 children, some as young as 12, were coerced into receiving and delivering parcels containing Class A and B drugs (MDMA, cannabis, cocaine, ketamine) disguised in toys like teddy bears and karaoke machines.
• Operations: The investigation was called Operation Java and Operation Stride, described as Jersey’s most complex drugs operation ever.
• Value: Estimated £1.8–£2 million worth of drugs smuggled into Jersey. Authorities intercepted about £183,317 worth of drugs.[1][2][3]

Key Convictions

• Ringleader: Mohammad Babrul Hussain (based in Birmingham with Jersey links) was sentenced in Sept 2024 to 7.5 years for drug trafficking and money laundering.[2][3]
• Local Associates: Five young adults (ages 19–20) were sentenced in April 2025:
• Elijah McManus – 3 years
• Joseph Barratt – 2.5 years
• Rory Ribeiro – 2 years
• Monica Nobrega – 2 years
• Malibu Brennan – 100 hours community service (or 4 months prison)[4]

Children Involved

• Safeguarding: 43 children were referred to safeguarding agencies.
• Prosecuted:- 7 prosecuted in Youth Court; 5 prosecuted in Royal Court.[2]

Outstanding Issues

• Financial Angle: Will local banks and businesses face charges or regulatory action for suspected money laundering?
• Further Exploitation: Authorities warn that child exploitation for drug trafficking could still be happening, urging vigilance among parents.[1]

Banks & Money Laundering

• Evidence: Investigators found signs of money laundering through local businesses and banks, including 21 warrants executed, recovery of £40,000 cash, luxury goods (Rolex watches), and links to proceeds of crime.
• Status: While evidence exists, no prosecutions of banks or businesses have been reported yet. This remains an outstanding issue, raising questions about regulatory enforcement and MONEYVAL commitments.[5]

References

[1] www.channel103.com https://www.channel103.com/news/jersey/50-children-as-young-as-12-inolved-in-a-wider-1-8-m-jersey-drug-network/

[2] www.comsuregroup.com https://www.comsuregroup.com/news/55-jersey-children-coerced-into-delivering-drugs-worth-2-million-around-the-island/

[3] www.freedommag.org https://www.freedommag.org/news/drug-ring-that-used-jersey-children-as-mules-dismantled-in-major-police-operation-f201d5

[4] www.channel103.com https://www.channel103.com/news/jersey/five-young-people-jailed-for-jersey-drug-network-involving-children/

[5] www.comsuregroup.com https://www.comsuregroup.com/news/jerseys-local-businesses-and-banks-are-connected-to-a-drug-syndicate-that-coerced-children-into-a-2-million-drug-trade/

https://jerseyeveningpost.com/news/2024/09/13/drug-smuggler-who-used-young-islanders-jailed-for-over-seven-years-as-part-of-wide-ranging-investigation-by-authorities/