cannabis smuggler Peter Moran Southwark crown court he is to be sentenced for bringing £62 million of “skunk” into Britain

cannabis smuggler Peter Moran Southwark crown court he is to be sentenced for bringing £62 million of “skunk” into Britain hidden in boxes of flowers from Holland.In two years the gang organised at least 88 shipments, making them the biggest cannabis importers in Britain. The gang made so much money that large bundles of cash were left to go mouldy in a safe. Moran's barrister Peter Griffiths, QC, passed Judge Gregory Stone, QC, a written reference from Miss McDonagh, the Labour MP for Mitcham and Morden. She is Moran's second cousin.Miss McDonagh today told the Standard that the letter “was not a character reference” and denied that she had any knowledge of Moran's involvement with the gang.She said: “Peter's mum and dad died in shocking and tragic circumstances within six months of each other about 12 years ago. After that Peter cared for his sister who has suffered from mental health problems. That is all my letter said.”
She added: “I was asked to provide this letter by other members of the family.”Miss McDonagh did admit that she knew her relative was in court over “issues to do with drugs”.Moran, 37, of Fulham, masterminded the operation with Terrence Bowler, 40, of Kingston, and Mark Kinnimont, 40, of Surbiton. They have pleaded guilty to conspiracy to import controlled drugs and conspiracy to launder the proceeds of crime. Nine others have been convicted of similar offences.