Mark Watling imported the anaesthetic from China
A man who imported anaesthetic that was used as a cocaine "cutting agent" has been jailed for 13 years.
Mark Watling, 39, of Chesford Road, Luton, admitted six charges of encouraging or assisting in the supply of class A drugs between 5 June and 18 June 2010.
Luton Crown Court heard the substance was supplied to five drug factories in Luton and one in Huntingdon.
Judge Richard Foster said Watling was a "major conspirator".
Phone records linked
The court heard Watling imported six barrels of Benzocaine from China, weighing a total of 23.6st (150kg).
He had set up a business called Buffalo Global to import the chemical, saying it was to be sold on to legitimate businesses such as tattoo parlours that used it for pain relief.
But the police traced the barrels to the six cocaine factories and linked Watling to the operation through phone evidence.
The court heard anaesthetic was used to dilute cocaine, increasing the quantity available for street sales.
Benzocaine costs around £10 a kilo to buy but can be sold for up to £50,000 a kilo if mixed with cocaine.
A confiscation hearing will be held at a later date.
- Published7 September 2010
- Published9 August 2010
