On the 22nd June 2009, the Chief Constable of Devon and Cornwall Constabulary, Stephen Otter, presented commendations to Don Tait and James Cranfield as a result of their work on Operation Fabula.
The commendations read, in part:
"On the 1st May 2009 five persons were sentence at Bournemouth Crown Court to a total of 72 years imprisonment for their part in a drugs gang involved in the importing of millions of pounds of controlled drugs, namely cocaine from Spain and South America, into the UK. This followed two trials lasting a total of 28 weeks. This was a hugely successful investigation undertaken by Devon & Cornwall Constabulary, Dorset Police and H.M. Revenue & Customs.
Mr Tait and Mr Cranfield presented the case in a professional and conscientious manner, displaying detailed knowledge of the evidence gathered during the course of the police investigation.
Their professionalism and dedication contributed greatly towards the convictions that were obtained.
For their professionalism and dedication, the Chief Constable has pleasure in awarding Mr Tait and Mr Cranfield with his Commendation".
