Who is Daniel Fordham? Crystal meth dealer in 24 Hours in Police Custody: The Norfolk Narco Cartel
DANIEL Fordham is one of two drug dealers who imported crystal meth and cocaine to the UK from Mexico and Columbia.
His crime, which he committed alongside Axel Ritter Cruz, will be examined in the Channel 4 documentary 24 Hours in Police Custody: The Norfolk Narco Cartel.
Drug masterplan
Fordham planned on importing drugs to Norfolk, alongside Ritter Cruz, but the scheme quickly fell apart when Cruz was arrested at Stansted Airport in October 2022.
Ritter Cruz was found to have a kilogram of cocaine with him at the time, which was worth over £90,000.
A search of his home uncovered 13 clear bags of methyl-amphetamine, weighing 11 kilograms in total.
According to police, the crystal meth in his home was worth £1.5 million.
The arrest of Ritter Cruz sparked a search for his accomplice, leading the police to search the drug dealer’s phone.
The scheme unravels
The police discovered that Ritter Cruz had been talking to Fordham about the delivery of a boat engine from Mexico, which made them suspicious.
While searching Ritter Cruz’s phone, they saw a video of Fordham sawing into the boat part which secretly contained cocaine.
Fordham was arrested in December 2022 and jailed for 10 years.
He had pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply methyl-amphetamine.
Ritter Cruz was charged with the importation of cocaine and importation of methyl-amphetamine, and possession with intent to supply both substances.
He pleaded guilty to all charges and was jailed for 16 years.
Speaking about Fordham’s arrest, Detective Chief Inspector Steve Dowty, from the Eastern Region Special Operation Unit (ERSOU), said: “Crystal meth is an incredibly dangerous and addictive substance.
“It’s vital that it doesn’t make its way into our communities, and we’re committed to targeting those looking to profit from the misery of others by selling such perilous substances.
“Ritter Cruz and Fordham were keen to make quick money by importing and selling drugs, however both will now spend significant spells behind bars.
“Our teams at ERSOU are full of specialist investigators and detectives who work tirelessly to apprehend such criminals and ensure they face justice.
“We’ll continue to target those looking to bring illicit drugs into eastern England.”
24 Hours in Police Custody
Fordham’s criminal plan will be examined in 24 Hours in Police Custody: The Norfolk Narco Cartel.
The show will air on January 13, 2025, at 9pm, on Channel 4.
True crime fans who miss the live airing of the episode can catch up on Channel 4’s streaming service.