Archive - Monday, 16 February 2004


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Three men face trial for drugs offences

THE trial of three men facing a string of international drug trafficking and money laundering charges is due to start today.

The allegations follow an investigation by the National Crime Squad, called Operation Drumstick, which was run with HM Customs and Excise and stretched to Belgium.

Reginald Tottman, 63, of Park Place, Ashton Keynes, is charged with conspiracy to supply cannabis, conspiracy to import cannabis, supplying cannabis and money laundering.

Simon McKinley, 31, of Maunsell Way, Wroughton, faces charges of conspiracy to supply cocaine and cannabis.

And Derek Walpole, 65, of Windmill Platt, Handcross, Sussex, is charged with conspiracy to import cannabis, possession of a firearm and ammunition and money laundering.

The three men were charged in February last year following arrests in London when a pensioner was found with £500,000 in cash and a firearm.

The trial is due to start today at Reading Crown Court and is expected to run for four to six weeks.