Family ran £800k drug and money laundering scheme
Paul and Stephanie Cotson were found guilty of conspiracy to convert criminal property
- Published
A crime family that ran a nationwide drug and money laundering scheme that made more than £800,000 has been convicted.
Daniel Cotson, 43, of Marine Wharf in Hull, pleaded guilty to multiple drug-related offences at Hull Crown Court on 16 September.
His parents Paul Cotson 71, and Stephanie, 70, of The Link, were found guilty on Monday of conspiracy to convert criminal property, following a four-day trial.
Det Insp Matt Grantham, from Humberside Police, said: "This case represents a clear message that crime doesn't pay, even when it's kept in the family."
An investigation was launched in May 2021 when a shop reported concerns about suspicious packages being sent by Daniel Cotson.
Officers attended and seized 32 postal bags believed to contain controlled drugs.
On 17 May, Cotson was arrested during one of his routine visits to post drugs and was found to be carrying two full postal bags.
Tablets with a street value of £44,703, cocaine worth £1,250, and £1,180 in cash were found at his address.
Daniel Cotson pleaded guilty to multiple drug offences
Cotson admitted two counts of possession with intent to supply cocaine, possession of criminal property and conspiracy to convert criminal property.
He also pleaded guilty to supplying the class C drugs zopiclone, diazepam and temazepam.
Humberside Police said he received £812,797 in third-party transfers over two years and moved £534,000 to his parents' savings account.
They invested £460,000 while also claiming benefits, the force added.
In 2006, the couple bought one of the city's most prominent pubs, the Old English Gentleman, on Worship Street. They no longer own it.
The trio are due to be sentenced at the same court on 14 November.
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