Breaking Bad Fan Accused of Trafficking Fentanyl Linked to Navy Submariners’ Deaths
Paul Nicholls, a 46-year-old self-styled novelist and Breaking Bad fan, is being extradited to the US after being charged with trafficking £15million-worth of fentanyl linked to the deaths of two navy submariners.
Background
Nicholls, a married father of two, is accused of peddling the drug – 50 times stronger than heroin – on the "dark web". He has written books under the pen name Nico Laeser, some of which feature drug addiction. He also previously painted Walter White, the drug-dealing anti-hero of his favourite TV series Breaking Bad, showing off his artwork online.
The Charges
Nicholls claims the charges of large-scale deadly drug dealing and money laundering against him are as fictional as the plots of his own novels. However, an application Nicholls made to the European Court of Human Rights to stop his extradition failed last month, and the National Crime Agency is now arranging his removal.
The Investigation
According to US police, Nicholls ran a global fentanyl smuggling ring alongside Canadian Thomas Federuik, 62, between at least April 2017 and February 2018. The Briton was living in Canada with his since-estranged wife and children, and supposedly working as an artist and novelist, giving interviews about his books. Prosecutors say his real business was dealing drugs.
The Victims
US submariners Brian Jarrell and Ty Bell died of fentanyl overdoses within days of each other and are said to have been among Nicholls’ customers. Mr Jarrell, a sonar technician, was found dead at his military home in October 2017, after his wife raised the alarm following his disappearance from a family trip to Orlando. His body was found by his housemate Mr Bell, who sailed on the ballistic missile submarine USS Wyoming. Then, in the same property just four days later, Mr Bell himself was found dead.
The Evidence
The US navy said both men had died of a fentanyl overdose. Special agent for homeland security investigations Katrina Berger said: "This poison ultimately led to the deaths of two service members and destroyed the lives of countless others." According to US prosecutors, "both sailors had received a package from a dark web vendor using packaging postmarked from Canada and labelled ‘East Van Eco Tours’ just prior to their deaths".
The Investigation Continues
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police, or Mounties, were involved in investigations following the officers’ deaths. By December 2017, an undercover officer had bought pills from a suspect they later identified as Federuik. A surveillance operation in Vancouver then observed Federuik and Nicholls dropping off packages for shipment. Intercepted, these were said to contain drugs and had an ‘East Van Eco Tours’ label.
The Consequences
Nicholls is currently being held in London’s Wandsworth prison. He faces charges of conspiracies to import and distribute controlled substances, and money laundering. He could be fined £8million and jailed for life.
Conclusion
The case highlights the devastating consequences of the illegal drug trade and the importance of international cooperation in combating it. Nicholls’ actions have caused immense harm and suffering, and he must be held accountable for his crimes.
FAQs
Q: What is fentanyl?
A: Fentanyl is a powerful painkiller that is legitimately prescribed by doctors, but its recreational use has been blamed for tens of thousands of overdoses in the US.
Q: Who are the victims in this case?
A: The victims are US submariners Brian Jarrell and Ty Bell, who died of fentanyl overdoses within days of each other.
Q: What is the alleged extent of Nicholls’ drug trafficking operation?
A: Prosecutors claim that Nicholls and Federuik brought in £15million-worth of fentanyl from China and Hungary, and sold it to over 300 customers in the US and around the world.
Q: What is Nicholls’ defense?
A: Nicholls claims that the charges against him are fictional and that he is innocent of any involvement in the supply of drugs to the US.
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