Sian Banks, 25, aided ex Eddie Burton’s drug smuggling, including at Liverpool Airport. She received a jail sentence for her crimes.
Sian’s fingerprints were found on the drug packages. Eddie put over 300kg of drugs, worth about £20 million, on the lorries to pay off a debt.
Eddie packed drugs in Amsterdam, reportedly earning £20,000-£30,000 each month. Sian was drawn to Eddie’s lavish life and helped with more than just the lorries.
Sian smuggled drugs through Liverpool John Lennon Airport. She also allowed Eddie to use her bank account while he was on the run.
Sian Banks pleaded guilty in court, claiming she was seduced by Eddie and his lifestyle. Prosecutors stated she frequently traveled to see him in Holland and Spain.
Sian and Eddie appeared in court on February 12. Eddie claimed he was forced into the drug plot, and the judge delayed his sentencing for investigation of possible modern slavery.
Sian’s sentencing continued regardless. The court assumed she thought Eddie only profited from drugs. The prosecutor discussed drug smuggling and supply involving cocaine, heroin, and ketamine.
Eddie, already a convicted drug supplier, pleaded guilty to drug smuggling. He had fled the country after being charged in 2021 for drug supply in Oswestry.
He continued drug dealing in Europe, moving between Holland, Germany, and Spain. He smuggled drugs into the UK by lorry via Dover.
Among the smuggled drugs were 192 kg of cocaine, 25kg of heroin, and 90 kg of ketamine. Sian’s fingerprints were found on some of the drug packaging.
Her phone revealed she smuggled drugs back to the UK for Eddie on two occasions. The amount she smuggled each time is unclear, but she gave the drugs to others.
Eddie was arrested on March 29, 2022, while trying to reach a music festival, and was arrested for drug trafficking.
Texts showed Sian knew about Eddie’s drug dealing and that he was settling scores with someone. She believed he made her yearly salary each month.
Eddie considered turning himself in but decided against prison in Germany. He fled to Spain, continuing his crimes.
Sian faced six charges, including money laundering, to which she pleaded guilty immediately. Eddie admitted to importing drugs.
NCA officers returned Eddie to the UK, where he awaits sentencing next month. They are investigating his modern slavery claims.
The NCA stated Eddie tried to smuggle drugs, aided by Sian, who laundered money and helped import them. They added that these drugs would have harmed communities and fueled violence.