July 28, 2025
Syam Soni acted as defence counsel in a major National Crime Agency operation which saw over three-quarters of a ton of cocaine seized. The Class A drug was smuggled into the UK from Cancun via Birmingham Airport across five trips during the latter half of last year, totalling around 750KG of cocaine.
Syam’s client was described by the prosecution as the ‘matriarch’ of the conspiracy, accused of recruiting her children, including her vulnerable 17-year-old son, into the organised operation. She and others were said to be in contact with the masterminds behind the criminality (referred to as ‘Leader’), collecting drug-laden suitcases from the airport before national distribution. Despite the industrial scale of the operation, Syam successfully argued that the defendant should be sentenced as a courier, not an organiser or leader.
Given the vast quantity of Class A drugs involved, the Judge was invited to consider imposing sentences exceeding 20 years. Syam Soni successfully argued for a significantly lower sentence, with his client ultimately receiving 13 years and 4 months, reflecting the court’s acceptance of her role as a courier rather than a principal organiser.
Syam Soni is a criminal defence specialist whose principal areas of expertise include conspiracy to murder, multi-handed violence/disorder, serious sexual offences and multi-handed drugs conspiracies.
Read more: [Syam Soni Profile]
Syam Soni was instructed by Junaid Rehman of The National Law Firm
News stories:
[BBC News]
[Daily Mail]
Barristers
Syam Soni
Call: 2015