Six other gang members, including a former Customs officer, were jailed for a total of 69 years in June 2005, following a successful HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) investigation.

Bernard's role within the gang included the recruitment of couriers, the purchasing of  airline flight tickets for the couriers and the paying off of the corrupt customs officer, Richard Riley. Riley, formerly a Customs employee at Gatwick airport, was sentenced to 15 years in June. He facilitated two couriers each carrying suitcases containing a total of 31kgs of high purity cocaine through customs controls.

Graham Honey, Assistant Chief Investigation Officer said:

"This is the culmination of this long running investigation into the importation of cocaine from the Caribbean basin into the U.K. Based on the quality of the evidence gained by officers of HMRC all eight defendants pleaded guilty. It also demonstrates our commitment to investigate corruption within the department."

The gang was arrested on 1 July 2004 following surveillance over a period of months.  Steven Abrahamson and Kelly Little arrived at Gatwick from Margarita.  Harline Young and Steven Dixon were awaiting their arrival on the public concourse.  Richard Riley monitored the arrival of the couriers through immigration and into the baggage area where they collected their suitcases, containing the cocaine.  On collection Riley ushered them through the green channel and allowed them to proceed onto the public concourse.

Young, Dixon, Abrahamson, Little and Riley were then arrested by Customs Investigators. Pauline Bernard and Peter Crosdale were arrested at their homes for their role in masterminding the smuggling operation. Marjorie Riley was arrested at her place of employment.

This case was successfully prosecuted by the newly established Revenue and Customs Prosecutions Office (RCPO).  RCPO is an independent prosecuting authority which reports to the Attorney General, and is responsible for the prosecution of all HMRC cases.