Michael Ball received a sentence of 19 years and 6 months in prison.
Three individuals have been sentenced to prison for their participation in what law enforcement officials have referred to as the most extensive confiscation of Class A drugs ever recorded on the Isle of Man. The drugs were concealed within a van, according to the police.
Michael Ball, aged 42, received a prison sentence of 19 years and six months for his involvement in smuggling approximately £750,000 worth of heroin and cocaine to the island in October 2023.
Justin Fayle received the tyre and took the drugs to his home in Douglas. He then handed them over to David Alsop. Later on, it was discovered that David Alsop had two wraps of heroin and five wraps of cocaine in his car.
Deemster Graeme Cook delivered a strong message by sentencing Fayle to 11 years and six months in jail, and Alsop to 12 years. He emphasized the need to make it clear that individuals engaged in organized crime would face severe repercussions.
During the court proceedings, it was revealed that the street value of the heroin amounted to a staggering £499,000, whereas the cocaine held a value of up to £249,000.
David Alsop has been sentenced to 12 years in prison.
In the early hours of 23 October 2023, Ball, who resides on Old Mill Lane, was observed sleeping in a white Mercedes van with the engine running on King Edward Road after arriving on an evening ferry to the island. The incident was brought to the attention of Douglas Courthouse.
During the police investigation, the van was thoroughly searched, but no evidence was found. However, it was observed that a spare tire was securely fastened underneath the vehicle.
According to the court testimony, the police had been keeping an eye on the vehicle’s movements. They subsequently went to Fayle’s residence in Lheannag Park and discovered a slashed tire in the hallway.
The officers revisited the white van they had previously searched and made a startling discovery. The spare tire was missing, but what caught their attention was a handwritten note containing Fayle’s address.
The authorities apprehended all three men on the same day.
Ball was found guilty in court for importing heroin and cocaine, as well as for supplying these drugs.
The court was informed by Deemster Cook that it was the largest quantity of drugs he had ever sentenced for, and he emphasized the significant impact these substances have on causing misery.
According to Det Con Jamie Tomlinson from the Isle of Man Constabulary, this recent drug seizure is the largest one in the island’s history in terms of Class A drugs. This significant discovery highlights the alarming extent to which criminals are now willing to go to pursue their illicit activities.
