UK Gangsta Granny: The £80m Drug Empire Run by a 65-Year-Old Matriarch

[webfact]

Picture courtesy of MEt Police via BBC

 

In a dramatic twist of crime and family ties, 65-year-old Deborah Mason, also known as Gangsta Debbs or Queen Bee, has been revealed as the head of an £80 million drug empire. This unassuming grandmother was at the helm of a vast cocaine distribution network across southeast England, involving her children and close relatives. The case culminated when Woolwich Crown Court sentenced Mason to 20 years in prison for conspiring to supply Class A drugs.

 

On that fateful April morning, undercover officers in Harwich observed Mason loading boxes into a car, sparking a seven-month investigation. As the gang's ringleader, Mason recruited her family, including her four children and sister, to operate this massive drug enterprise. Using encrypted messaging apps like Signal, they coordinated drug pickups and deliveries at ports, extending their reach to cities like Cardiff, Manchester, and London.

 

Despite her appearance as a typical grandmother, Mason orchestrated the distribution of up to 356kg of cocaine over 20 trips. The gang’s operation funded a lavish lifestyle, with Mason splurging on designer goods, including a £390 Gucci collar for her Bengal cat, Ghost, and luxury holidays in Dubai.

 

The court was presented with evidence of the extravagant expenditures that the illegal proceeds afforded Mason. Mason's passion for luxury led her to travel extensively and strategise additional cosmetic procedures overseas. Meanwhile, she shamelessly collected £50,000 in benefits while managing her illegal empire.

 

At the trial, Prosecutor Charlotte Hole highlighted Mason's compulsive control over the operations, describing how she managed her drivers from the early hours. The gang did not buy drugs themselves but instead facilitated massive transactions, becoming key players in the lucrative drug scene.

 

Adding a measure of betrayal to familial bonds, Mason’s children were heavily involved. Her son, Reggie Bright, completed at least 12 drug runs, travelling with partners and siblings, while others like Demi and Lillie Bright took active roles in logistics. Despite everyone's apparent willingness, the court revealed a sobering narrative of a family deeply entrenched in criminal activity for financial gain.

 

The trial ended with numerous lengthy sentences for each member of Mason's gang, ranging between 10 and 15 years in prison. Det Con Jack Kraushaar from the Met Police described the operation as "sophisticated" and "extremely profitable" for those involved, offering a cautionary tale about the seductive pull of quick money over family morals.

 

What began with a simple surveillance operation has ended as a criminal endeavour worth millions, proving no one is above the law. Mason now faces her future behind bars; the saga highlights the dangers of prioritising wealth over personal and family integrity.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from BBC 2025-07-22

 

 

[Chomper Higgot]

It’s a shame this parasite and her spawn didn’t get caught while in Dubai.

[Rimmer]

OMG this is the stuff movies are made about 😄

[jcmj]

This will end up being a movie. Queen Bee and her fck’d up family. From rags to riches. 

[Thingamabob]

She had drive, intelligence and attention to detail. In another life she could have been a top business person, in her actual life a criminal and now a jailbird.

[soalbundy]

1 hour ago, Thingamabob said:

She had drive, intelligence and attention to detail. In another life she could have been a top business person, in her actual life a criminal and now a jailbird.

How on earth does a grandmother get the contacts to sell drugs in the first place. I've never been involved with drugs so I wouldn't even know where to buy drugs let alone sell vast quantities all over the UK.Obviously a side hustle to top up her benefits.

[CanadaSam]

2 hours ago, Thingamabob said:

She had drive, intelligence and attention to detail.

 

Honestly speaking, being a criminal is 100% more difficult than being a successful businessman.

 

You not only have to run your (successful) drug business, but keep it a top secret, which is really tough to do!

[pacovl46]

20 years for 356 kilos seems very lenient!!!!

[lamyai3]

22 hours ago, webfact said:

Her son, Reggie

 

She'd really been hoping for twins, so she could call the other one Ronnie. 

[Pompeygeezer]

On 7/22/2025 at 8:37 AM, Thingamabob said:

She had drive, intelligence and attention to detail. In another life she could have been a top business person, in her actual life a criminal and now a jailbird.

She was a top business person it just happens to be an illegal business but drug dealing is a business, and a massive profit making business.  

[quake]

Most likely out in 12.

[Thingamabob]

11 hours ago, Pompeygeezer said:

She was a top business person it just happens to be an illegal business but drug dealing is a business, and a massive profit making business.  

Fair point.