James Crighton
Senior Practice Manager
Telephone: +44 (0)20 7242 3555
Email: Click here
Would you like to learn more
For more information please contact our clerks by calling +44 (0)20 7242 3555.
7BR members are experienced court-room advocates, who defend and prosecute in the most serious drug importation and supply cases. The criminal team provides advice and advocacy at all stages of drug trafficking cases, domestically and internationally, at trial and appellate level. They act both for and against the National Crime Agency (NCA), and national police forces.
Members have extensive experience of the international tracing of funds. They are instructed by both individuals and authorities concerned with investigations into the recovery of the proceeds of drug trafficking.
The team’s recent expertise includes cases involving:
- Class A drug importation.
- Exportation of ecstasy.
- Possession with intent to supply.
- Encrochat evidence.
- County lines supply conspiracies.
- Drug trafficking and modern slavery defences.
- Firearms and drugs.
- Gang criminality with drill rap videos.
- Investigations involving crypto-currencies.
- Investigations of deleted mobile phones.
- Proceeds of Crime investigations.
- Money laundering allegations.
For example, in R v Murray and Others, 7BR members were instructed by the CPS International Justice and Organised Crime Division in one of Britain’s biggest ecstasy exportation prosecutions. In 2019-2020, an organised criminal group conspired to export to Australia half a tonne of the drug with a street value of £37.5 million, which was hidden in an industrial excavator. The case included contested ‘EncroChat’ material. Following an investigation by the National Crime Agency, six men were convicted after a four-month trial and were sentenced to terms totalling 140 years. Applications for leave to appeal were dismissed at the Court of Appeal.
7BR regularly undertakes work in offshore jurisdictions, including recent advice on drug trafficking cases to individuals and authorities in the West Indies, Hong Kong, Jersey, Guernsey, and the Isle of Man.
7BR members also advise on and appear within a variety of cases involving drug abuse and trafficking and other offences or disciplinary actions, including homicides, kidnaps, money laundering, crypto-currencies, professional discipline, and fitness to practice cases.
For help or advice please call +44 (0)20 7242 3555 or complete the form below
A member of the Clerking team will help you resolve your request.
Frequently asked questions
Do you have an out of hours number?
Yes, please call Chambers mainline number +44 (0)20 7242 3555 and you will be directed to the out of hours phone lines.
How can I find out whether 7BR can take my case?
As a direct access client, please visit our direct access page and complete the initial form, a member of the clerking team will then be in touch to discuss the next steps.
Will my barrister deal with all the correspondence?
Some barristers have the ability to “conduct litigation” for direct access clients. Our clerks will be able to assist you as to which of our members are trained and accredited to do so.
How do I instruct a barrister?
Please visit our direct access page for the initial steps on instructing a barrister, or contact our clerks on +44 (0)20 7242 3555.
