A Bristol man who went on the run after being implicated in a major drug conspiracy has been sentenced to 19 years in prison at Bristol Crown Court today. Christopher Barbosa, 32, formerly of Sea Mills, Bristol, was arrested in May 2020 as part of an investigation by the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit (SWROCU). He was identified as ‘Kilo-chris,’ a key associate of Romaine Hyman, who was sentenced to 26 years in 2022 for his role in a large drug trafficking operation.
Barbosa managed to evade authorities for an extended period, fleeing across mainland Europe before being arrested in Paris while attempting to continue his journey from Dubai to Barcelona. After a year of legal battles and contesting his extradition, Barbosa was returned to the UK in December 2023.
Investigations revealed that Barbosa played a significant role in the trafficking of cocaine, using an encrypted phone with the alias ‘Kilo-chris’ to orchestrate deals. Evidence showed that Barbosa had purchased at least 46 kilograms of cocaine from Bath-based Romaine Hyman for over £1.5 million in just two months. Additionally, Barbosa purchased cocaine from other major suppliers, including 20kg from the Wiltshire-based Allison brothers and 3kg from Alex Male, a man previously jailed for his involvement in a separate £7m drug conspiracy.
Barbosa’s network also involved the use of safe houses for storing drugs, with Robert Dent’s home in Knowle West acting as one such location. Dent, along with courier James Hele, were arrested and sentenced to 12 and 11 years, respectively, in 2023 for their involvement in the operation.
DCI Adam Smith from SWROCU emphasized Barbosa’s role in a broader network of serious criminals. He stated, “Barbosa was well-connected to a criminal underworld that profited from distributing class A drugs. We’ve seen others in his circle receive long sentences, and now it’s his turn.”
Ruona Iguyovwe, Senior Specialist Prosecutor for the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), highlighted the complexity of the operation. “Barbosa played a central role in handling over 66 kilograms of cocaine worth millions of pounds. Despite his attempts to hide behind encrypted technology and flee abroad, our international partners helped secure his extradition,” she said.
The CPS plans to pursue confiscation proceedings against Barbosa to recover the proceeds from his criminal activities.
Barbosa pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including conspiracy to supply class A drugs (cocaine, heroin, and crack cocaine), conspiracy to conceal criminal property, and acquiring criminal property.
