Calvin Parris: One of UK’s most wanted men jailed for 12 years after Algarve arrest

Calvin Parris: The Fall of a Notorious Drug Kingpin

Calvin Parris, a 35-year-old man from Cardiff, has been sentenced to 12 years in prison for his role in a large-scale drug trafficking operation. Once one of the UK’s most wanted criminals, Parris was arrested by Portuguese police in the Algarve region in October 2022. His capture marked the culmination of a lengthy and complex investigation led by the National Crime Agency (NCA) and South Wales Police. Parris had been on the run since November 2020, evading justice for over two years before finally being brought to face the consequences of his actions.

The Organized Crime Group and the Covid Lockdown Plot

Parris was part of an organized crime group (OCG) that attempted to exploit the chaos of the COVID-19 pandemic to smuggle cocaine into Wales. The group’s operations were disrupted in May 2020 when police stopped a van driven by Albanian national Lenci Gashi. The vehicle contained 15 kilograms of pressed cocaine, stamped with a car manufacturer’s logo—an unusual but telling detail that highlighted the sophistication of the operation. Gashi was later sentenced to 11 years and four months in prison for his involvement.

The group’s leader, Michael Laverick, was arrested the following month and received an 18-year prison sentence. Other key members, including Danny Attard and Damian Farrugia, were also apprehended and sentenced to 14 and 13 years, respectively, for their roles in storing and distributing the drugs. Parris, along with Asim Naveed, the group’s second-in-command, fled the UK for Portugal in an attempt to evade capture. Naveed was eventually jailed for 10 years and eight months, while Parris remained at large until his arrest in 2022.

Justice Served: The Sentencing and Its Implications

At Merthyr Crown Court, Judge Jeremy Jenkins emphasized the severity of Parris’s crimes, noting that the defendant had a history of drug-related offenses. The judge also acknowledged Parris’s decision to plead guilty at the earliest opportunity, which reduced his sentence from a potential 18 years to 12. This guilty plea was seen as a significant factor in mitigating the sentence, reflecting Parris’s willingness to take responsibility for his actions.

The case has sent a strong message about the determination of law enforcement agencies to tackle organized crime. Duncan Burrage, NCA’s international regional manager, described the agency as “relentless” in its efforts to track down Parris and bring him to justice. Detective Sergeant Ceri Young of South Wales Police echoed this sentiment, stating that prioritizing the prosecution of high-level criminals is essential to disrupting drug networks and protecting communities.

The Broader Fight Against Organized Crime

The sentencing of Calvin Parris and his associates underscores the ongoing battle against organized crime in the UK and beyond. The group’s attempt to exploit the COVID-19 pandemic to further their drug trafficking operations highlights the ruthlessness of criminal organizations and their willingness to capitalize on vulnerabilities in society.

However, the successful prosecution of Parris and his co-conspirators demonstrates the effectiveness of collaborative law enforcement efforts. The NCA and South Wales Police worked tirelessly, both domestically and internationally, to dismantle the group and hold its members accountable. Their efforts not only disrupted a major drug supply chain but also sent a clear warning to other criminals: no matter how far they run or how long they hide, justice will catch up.