Gran of infant-faced drug baron details how he began £20m empire at age 10
The gran of a notorious drug kingpin, who amassed a fortune of £20 million, has disclosed that he commenced his illicit activities as a mere 10-year-old. Margaret Burton shared that Eddie Burton was merely a child when he delved into drug dealing, operating as a “runner” for more seasoned drug dealers. She stated, “He was a bit of a young tearaway. He started selling a few drugs when he was about ten for older drug dealers. Eddie was a runner for them.” Burton’s youthful appearance made him an ideal candidate for the job, as he did not appear old enough to be involved in the drug trade. Margaret went on to express that the turn of events in Eddie’s life did not come as a shock due to his early involvement in drug activities.
The downfall of the 23-year-old’s criminal enterprise began when authorities intercepted two lorries containing cocaine, heroin, and ketamine in Dover in 2022. Following this, a manhunt ensued, leading to Eddie Burton’s arrest in August 2023 at an Ibiza nightclub, Pacha, after his fingerprints were traced back to the drug shipments. Burton recently pleaded guilty to four counts of importing Class A and B drugs, while his ex-partner, Sian Banks, admitted to seven charges, including drug importation and money laundering.
Messages exchanged between Banks and Burton in 2022 indicated their involvement in drug smuggling activities, with Banks also found selling counterfeit Covid-19 travel documents during the pandemic. The duo is set to be sentenced at Canterbury Crown Court on February 11. NCA Branch Commander John Turner highlighted the detrimental impact the drugs would have had on communities if they had reached their destination.
Gran Margaret Burton expressed her disconnect from her grandson, stating, “I don’t really know him now though… I couldn’t wait for him to go really.” The sad tale of Eddie Burton reveals the destructive consequences of delving into a life of crime at a tender age and the spiraling effects it has on individuals and their families.
Insights and Summary:
The story of Eddie Burton sheds light on the dark world of drug trafficking and its impact on individuals and society. It underscores the importance of early intervention and support for at-risk youths to prevent them from falling into a life of crime. The role of family members, like Margaret Burton, in recognizing and addressing warning signs of criminal behavior is crucial in steering individuals away from illegal activities. Ultimately, the tragedy of Eddie Burton serves as a somber reminder of the need for proactive measures to protect vulnerable individuals from the clutches of organised crime.