Undercover: Operation Julie - The Inside Story cover art

Undercover: Operation Julie - The Inside Story

A Gripping True Crime Story of Britain's Biggest Drug Bust

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Undercover: Operation Julie - The Inside Story

By: Stephen Bentley
Narrated by: Greg Patmore
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About this listen

To infiltrate international drug cartels, he had to become a player...‘Undercover’: The true story behind Operation Julie, one of Britain's largest drug busts and how the same detective infiltrated a cartel planning to smuggle cocaine into Britain.

Forget ‘Breaking Bad’ this is the extraordinary story of the 1970s Welsh LSD ring that supplied the world, told by a cop in deepest cover on the case. In the dim chaos of a Liverpool nightclub, a sharp question cut through the noise: “Are you guys cops?” For Steve Jackson, the words chilled him to the bone. Jackson wasn’t just his name—it was his cover.

As an undercover officer navigating the ruthless world of drug cartels, his life depended on the perfect lie. This gripping true crime story pulls you deep into the double life of Stephen Bentley, one of the pioneers of British undercover policing.

With no training manuals or playbooks, Bentley dived headfirst into the underworld during Operation Julie, a groundbreaking investigation that dismantled a global drug empire. The operation led to the seizure of 90% of the world’s LSD supply, exposed a massive cocaine importation scheme and resulted in 15 convictions totalling 124 years in prison. But success came at a cost.

Living a lie meant constant danger, personal sacrifice, and psychological tolls. Did Bentley cross lines to maintain his cover?

What does it take to truly live in the shadows, and how does it feel to return to the light?

Based on real events, ‘Undercover’ chronicles not just a legendary case but also the personal and professional battles of an officer who shaped undercover policing. Praised by the BBC and major news outlets, and now adapted for a TV series, this is a true story of trust, betrayal, and the relentless pursuit of justice.

©2017 Stephen Bentley (P)2025 Stephen Bentley
Organized Crime Social Sciences True Crime

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wow, it's even better than the first edition of this book. Although all these events happened when I was just a toddler I was thoroughly intrigued by them and enjoyed it so much.

blooming brilliant

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This was the first book I have listened to in a long time and I simply could not put it down until I had finished it. That wasn't the plan as I intendedto read it on my holiday but once I started it I found it an utterly fascinating story.
I felt like I was in the same room as him as he told the story. He certainly has a gift for story telling and I hope to read more of his books in the near future.
The story was excellent not only for a real insight into deep undercover police work but also the way it was told. At times it was funny and others deadly serious. I found it sad to learn details of how the police treated the author who clearly was deeply affected and troubled by aspects of his work.
I can recommend this book to anyone who wants to read an honest true crime book. A book written from the heart but done in such an intelligent fashion. Bravo Mr Bentley !

Interesting Insight Into a Famous Undercover Op

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A very slow and boring listen, certainly not one for those who like an adrenaline fuelled read, but definitely one for those who like to listen to an author fill a book with their own belief of self importance!

Not a great deal

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