5. The Long Run

A covert entry at a lock-up garage in Essex reveals hundreds of kilos of cocaine hidden in holdalls.

After years of surveillance, coded diaries and phone-box intelligence, Operation Extend moves into its decisive phase.

The arrest of a key member of the organisation exposes encrypted contacts and overseas links, while pressure from South American suppliers forces fresh movement within the network.

Sixty-one million pounds’ worth of cocaine is seized in a covert customs operation and multiple arrests follow, including Brian Wright’s son and senior associates.

Meanwhile, Wright disappears.

As Wright remains beyond reach, the network he built begins to unravel.

Credits

Presenter: Livvy Haydock

Series Producer: Louise Clarke

Producer: Patrick Kiteley

Journalism Assistants: Tim Fernley and Hattie Valentine

Technical producer and sound designer: Nicky Edwards

Commissioning Editor: Louise Kattenhorn

Commissioning Producer: Sam Proffitt

Editor and Executive Producer: Tara McDermott

Acknowledgements

Luis Navia is the co-author, with Jesse Fink, of Pure Narco: One Man’s True Story of 25 Years Inside the Colombian and Mexican Cartels.