Overview
- Basildon Crown Court imposed the sentence after Ransome admitted conspiracy to supply cocaine and ketamine, possession of criminal property, and supplying cocaine.
- The judge credited time already served, including roughly 311 days in Central Bangkok Prison, with Ransome expected to serve about half of the term in custody.
- Ransome fled the UK in March 2022, lived in Thailand under the boxing alias “Billy Roberts,” was arrested in September 2024, and was transferred back to Essex in July 2025.
- Operation Spartan recovered nearly 50kg of cocaine, about £1 million in cash, and 20 firearms, with evidence that one courier moved more than 200kg of cocaine in under two months.
- Prosecutors said Ransome led the group, with key associates already jailed, including right‑hand man Russell Dendle for 12 years, and confiscation proceedings are scheduled next year.