Jail: 20 years for man who ran drug network from behind bars

Molyneux/Johnson brought to justice as part of Operation Achilles 

A Manx man who was caught ‘orchestrating’ a criminal network from behind bars at the Isle of Man Prison has been jailed for 20 years.

Kyle Brian Molyneux, who also goes by the surname Johnson, was sentenced at Douglas Courthouse today (2 August).

The court was told he’d played a ‘pivotal role’ in arranging heroin, cocaine and cannabis to be shipped to the Island.

Operation Achilles

The 27-year-old was brought to justice as part of Operation Achilles – a campaign run by the Isle of Man Constabulary which targeted an organised crime group operating here and in Merseyside.

The operation – which ran between February 2020 and April 2023 – has seen drugs, with a street value of nearly £100,000, seized and the recovery of £50,000 in criminal cash.

12 people have so far been jailed for committing a range of drug, conspiracy and money laundering offences.

All of them have been linked back to Kyle Molyneux.

OCG

Molyneux, the court was told, played a ‘pivotal role’ in running the OCG - arranging for drugs to be sent to Manx shores, organising the distribution network and the collection of the proceeds of crime.  

He did this, the prosecutor said, despite being on remand at the Isle of Man Prison on a separate drug importation charge for much of the period concerned.

Phone data recovered, in September 2021, from illicit SIM cards Molyneux was using in a prison issue mobile phone – given to inmates during the Coronavirus pandemic – linked him to the others arrested.

Molyneux was described by prosecutor James Robinson as ‘one of the most senior, if not the most senior’ members of the organised crime group under investigation at the time.

Accepting he did not ‘sit atop the overall OCG tree’ Mr Robinson said the ‘commercial operation’ Molyneux was running from his cell meant: “He’s about as high as you can get.”

Admission

Molyneux admitted to five offences but his sentencing was delayed whilst others arrested and charged as part of Operation Achilles progressed through the criminal justice system.

These included:

• attempted production of almost 243 grams of heroin
• two offences of being concerned in the production of more than 346 grams of cocaine
• conspiracy to remove £35,000 in criminal property
• affray

In his basis of plea, which was not accepted by the prosecution, Molyneux disputed that he saw himself as a ‘king’ or ‘kingpin’ and denied he was the most senior drug dealer on the Island.

He also denied targeting vulnerable people.

Pablo Escobar

Molyneux's advocate told the court his client had a ‘tapestry of underlying difficulties’ and denied he was the ‘ring leader’ of the operation adding: “He is not the Pablo Escobar of the Isle of Man.”

Challenging claims Molyneux had enjoyed a ‘fabulous lifestyle’ from his offending he added: “He hasn’t bought himself Range Rovers and the like.”

“He’s been sucked into that kind of life – but he’s a man with Borderline Personality Disorder who’s been sucked into that life.” – Steve Wood (advocate)

Molyneux, who the court was told had been diagnosed with ADHD, has completed an English GCSE and a Level 1 joinery qualification whilst in prison and has a job in the gym.

The court was told he’s also allowed out on ‘family days’ with his advocate adding: “We have a sea change in his attitude and behaviour.”

Sentence

Jailing Molyneux for 20 years Deemster Graeme Cook told him it was clear he was involved ‘lock, stock and barrel’ in the importation and supply of drugs on the Isle of Man and had played a ‘leading role’.

“You were involved at a high level. Therefore no doubt you made vast profits,” he added telling Molyneux he would have to spend the following years ‘ruing the day’ for his offending.

In response, and before Molyneux was removed from the dock, he began shouting and swearing describing the sentence as ‘outrageous’ and adding: “See you in 10.”   

Response 

Detective Inspector Jamie Tomlinson is in charge of the Drug and Organised Crime Unit at the Isle of Man Constabulary. 

Speaking after sentencing he said: "Kyle Johnson was the ringleader and ran this criminal enterprise from his prison cell, and prior to being incarcerated, he used violence, exploitation and intimidation in order to sustain his criminal lifestyle. 

"I believe the sentence imposed on him is the longest ever given by the courts which reflects the seriousness and sophistication of the group and the major role he played which ultimately led to his liberty being taken from him for a substantial period of time.

“I would like to give the highest praise to my team, our analysts, the government prosecutor in this case and all other officers who played significant roles for their dedication; skill and commitment in bringing all parties to justice."