§ Mr. MackinlayTo ask the Solicitor-General what was the cost to the Crown Prosecution Service of the attempted prosecutions in relation to Operation Nectarine; and if he will make a statement. [140071]
The Solicitor-GeneralThe Crown Prosecution Service prosecuted eight defendants, one of whom pleaded guilty, following a police investigation into the alleged importation of cannabis.
This joint investigation between Kent police, the National Crime Squad and the Metropolitan police CIB3 was known as Operation Nectarine.
The total cost to the CPS of the trial and the pre-trial case preparation amounted to £481,891. This comprised £82,000 resource costs directly attributable to the CPS and a further £399,891 in Counsel's fees.
§ Mr. MackinlayTo ask the Solicitor-General when the internal inquiry of the DPP arising from the collapse of prosecutions consequent upon the CIB-Kent police Operation Nectarine will be completed; and if it will be published. [140073]
The Solicitor-GeneralThe report is unlikely to be completed before the new year. As the inquiry is internal, there is no intention to publish it, although interested parties will be advised of the conclusions.