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Undercover: Operation Julie - The Inside Story: A Gripping True Crime Story of Britain's Biggest Drug Bust. Kindle Edition

by Stephen Bentley (Author) Format: Kindle Edition

465 ratings

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Undercover Operation Julie - The Inside Story, documents everyday life of undercover work as the author, Stephen Bentley, won the confidence of the gang members. Bentley tells in his book how he built a "perfect" relationship with Smiles, an important gang member. But this friendship almost undermined the whole operation.- BBC News England, October 2, 2016.

The fascinating and extraordinary inside story from the man who was actually there. - Rob Gittins, Screenwriter and Novelist, Writer of 'Julie' BBC Drama

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.

From the Publisher

	Operation George: A Gripping True Crime Story of an Audacious Undercover Sting	Undercover: Operation Julie - The Inside Story: A Gripping True Crime Story o...	Mercy: A Detective Matt Deal Thriller (Detective Matt Deal Thrillers Book 1)
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Customer Reviews	67	465	146
Price	$6.99	$4.49	$2.99
Genre	True Crime	True Crime	Crime Fiction
Author	Mark Dickens & Stephen Bentley	Stephen Bentley	Stephen Bentley
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Clean Cut Detective to Undercover Hippie

From Clean-cut Detective to Long-haired Hippie

Stephen Bentley transformed from clean-cut policeman to a long-haired hippie as one of four undercover cops on Operation Julie, Britain's biggest drug bust, before there was any form of undercover training. He was a pioneer.

Though Operation Julie is synonymous with LSD, Bentley also tells the story of how he uncovered a Miami-based plot to smuggle huge quantities of Bolivian cocaine into Britain.

This cocaine plot, and the characters behind it, were the inspiration behind a spin-off fictional undercover cop series, the Steve Regan Undercover Cop Thrillers.

Editorial Reviews

Review

'Undercover Operation Julie - The Inside Story,' documents everyday life of undercover work as the author, Stephen Bentley, won the confidence of the gang members. Bentley tells in his book how he built a "perfect" relationship with Smiles, an important gang member. But this friendship almost undermined the whole operation.- Dominic Blake, BBC News England, October 2, 2016.

"This is an enlightening account of the war on drugs." - InD'Tale Magazine

"Compelling insight to the life, mental make-up and identity confusion of someone deep undercover ..." - Goodreads

"One of my favourite reads of 2017" - Goodreads

"The UK's Donnie Brasco; A must read" - Goodreads 'This book will appeal to those interested in the police & how they work undercover. Hopefully lessons have now been learnt.' - Margaret Joel, Review Spot UK

'A very absorbing and engrossing story. Highly recommended!' - Patricia Humm, Review Spot UK 'In short, Operation Julie would have made a remarkable work of fiction, if only it had never happened.' - Marilyn Chapman, Review Spot UK

'... initially thought the book was going to be very dry and dreary. I was quite wrong. Once I started on the main content, I had difficulty putting it down... I found this to be a very worthwhile book to read, it made me think and was an eye opener to the risks undertaken by this group of very brave men.'
- Yvonne Probert, Review Spot UK

From the Author

This undercover cop memoir, though an early pioneering UK undercover police operation, had many links to the USA. Some of the main drug gang conspirators were US citizens, some with sinister connections.

Operation Julie is still the largest drug bust in Britain. The BBC called it "the start of the war on drugs." It also inspired the song "Julie's Been Working For The Drug Squad" by The Clash.

Though Operation Julie is synonymous with LSD, my book also tells the story of how I, with my undercover partner, uncovered a Miami-based plot to smuggle huge quantities of Bolivian cocaine into Britain. This cocaine plot, and the characters behind it, were the inspiration behind a spin-off fictional undercover cop series: the Steve Regan Undercover Cop Thrillers.

Product details

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B073ZK8JHW
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Hendry Publishing
Publication date ‏ : ‎ July 16, 2017
Edition ‏ : ‎ 4th
Language ‏ : ‎ English
File size ‏ : ‎ 5.0 MB
Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
Print length ‏ : ‎ 298 pages
Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled

Best Sellers Rank: #2,883,568 in Kindle Store (See Top 100 in Kindle Store)
- #387 in Law Enforcement Biographies
- #632 in Organized Crime True Accounts
- #1,160 in Biographies of Law Enforcement

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Stephen Bentley

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Stephen Bentley is an award-winning author. Of his first true crime novel, UNDERCOVER, screenwriter and novelist, writer of 'Julie' BBC Drama, Rob Gittins, said, "The fascinating and extraordinary inside story from the man who was actually there.”

Of his later fiction works, British crime author, Pat MacDonald said, “I knew when I read the author’s first book ‘Undercover: Operation Julie’ although non-fiction that he could make the transition to writing fiction; I was right. He has an ease of language that lends itself to storytelling; he tells it as if he was there in the plot and why shouldn’t he having been an undercover cop in the real world? Not that Steve Regan is meant to be him, but having the experience means he can do whatever he wants with his fictional characters, and they will always be believable.”

Like some other authors, his life experience is broad and unconventional. He spent 30 years in the legal system, first as a detective for 15 years then as barrister plying his trade as “a wig for hire” in London and the English provinces. He was a pioneering undercover cop on Operation Julie and as a barrister defended in trials involving murder, rape, drug importation, other serious crimes and defended soldiers at courts-martial.

He worked in a warehouse. Rode a big motorbike as a London courier. He drove big articulated trucks and taught how to drive them. He also worked as a hospital porter twice. He drove chilled delivery vans in London in the 1990s to fund his law degree and bar school studies. He spent the last two years of his working life driving plant and operating heavy filtration machinery for Europe’s largest water company. His work mates soon recognised his advocacy skills and elected him as their shop steward.

He has now written over twenty books. Two of them have been optioned and in development; one as a TV drama series, and one as a drama doc.

You can find Stephen at stephenbentley dot info

His wife is a better person than him in all regards and is a source of support in his goal of entertaining readers. She has also made him a better person.

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Customers find the book fascinating and well-written, with one review noting how Wales comes alive in brilliant snapshots. The story receives positive feedback for its human perspective, with one customer describing it as an incredible tale of undercover work. They appreciate the crime narrative, with one review highlighting how criminals are portrayed as people too.

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11 customers mention "Readability"11 positive0 negative

Customers find the book to be a fascinating and compelling read.

"...A fascinating read." Read more

"...of the 1960s and early 70s, this book is a compelling and fascinating read. –Peter H. Green, Author of Fatal Designs, A Patrick MacKenna Mystery" Read more

"...of those in the trenches of fighting the "war." I thoroughly enjoyed the book though I found some of the relationships unusual, wondering if..." Read more

"...It reveals the Stockholm syndrome in a wider guise. Well written; held my interest. [..." Read more

8 customers mention "Story quality"8 positive0 negative

Customers find the book's story fascinating, describing it as a very human tale of undercover work, with one customer specifically mentioning it as an interesting first-hand account of Operation Julie.

"...the drug war begins and ends in North and South America, this book is a real education, filled with unique characters and “you are there” accounts..." Read more

"...Sympathetically told, the story shows how human nature can sometimes prevail over the criminal justice system and the profit motive, when friendship..." Read more

"Here is a tale, a real life experience, written by one of the men who lived it...." Read more

"Incredible tale of undercover work by British police in the early days of this formally becoming a police crime-solving tactic...." Read more

6 customers mention "Writing quality"6 positive0 negative

Customers find the book well written, with one customer noting the author's transparency.

"...LSD manufacturing and distribution operation in 1970s Britain is told in brilliant, first-hand detail by author Stephen Bentley, one of the..." Read more

"...The writing is very strong and made me see an image of the meeting between Smiles and Steve at the jail after the arrests...." Read more

"...It reveals the Stockholm syndrome in a wider guise. Well written; held my interest. [..." Read more

"...Graphic and honest details. The author is very transparent and forthcoming embracing his own shortcomings making for an engaging read." Read more

3 customers mention "Crime rate"3 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's portrayal of crime, with one customer noting that criminals are people too.

"...Most illustrative of the fact that criminals are people too. It reveals the Stockholm syndrome in a wider guise...." Read more

"This book is an intriguing depiction of drugs, crime, and passion and the arduous lives of police officers...." Read more

"Good guys and bad guys...." Read more

3 customers mention "Visual content"3 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the visual content of the book, with one mentioning how Wales comes alive in brilliant snapshots, while another notes its vivid details.

"...The scenes of 1960s and ‘70s Liverpool, London, and Wales come alive in brilliant snapshots—so much so that I wish the author would write a full-..." Read more

"...Most illustrative of the fact that criminals are people too. It reveals the Stockholm syndrome in a wider guise...." Read more

"...Graphic and honest details. The author is very transparent and forthcoming embracing his own shortcomings making for an engaging read." Read more

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Michael Compton
A vivid insider account
Reviewed in the United States on December 26, 2018
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This account of an historic police investigation that led to the breakup of a massive LSD manufacturing and distribution operation in 1970s Britain is told in brilliant, first-hand detail by author Stephen Bentley, one of the undercover cops who lived it. Operation Julie, as it was called, was a 2-1/2-year investigation that culminated in 1977 with the breakup of two drug rings, 120 arrests in France and the UK, and the confiscation of a £100 million worth of LSD. For readers who tend to think the drug war begins and ends in North and South America, this book is a real education, filled with unique characters and “you are there” accounts of what many have characterized as the opening salvo in the War on Drugs. It is almost like three books in one, the first being the author’s personal narrative of Operation Julie and its aftermath; the second a tutorial on the ins and outs of undercover police work; and the third a meditation on the legalization of drugs. Although the three themes are interwoven throughout, there are discrete sections dedicated to each topic. I would especially recommend this book to anyone in law enforcement, as it provides insight that only an “old pro” could deliver, but the general reader will also find this story interesting, informative, and entertaining. Bentley is a real raconteur, and he relates his experiences--going all the way back to his day as a ‘beat cop’—in short, punchy, vignettes. Some are funny, some are frightening, but they are all marked by the kind of vivid details that could only come from someone who was there. The scenes of 1960s and ‘70s Liverpool, London, and Wales come alive in brilliant snapshots—so much so that I wish the author would write a full-blown memoir of that unique era that took Britain from the Merseybeat to punk rock. At heart, this is a deeply personal story, and the author lays it all out on the line, from his death-defying exploits as “Steve Jackson,” hippie drug dealer, to his clashes with the law enforcement establishment and his long struggle to return to a normal life. A fascinating read.

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Peter H. Green
A true crime story with a message
Reviewed in the United States on January 29, 2018
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Stephen Bentley, a former British police officer and undercover agent, reveals the untold story of his volunteer undercover assignment in Wales in the early 1970s: to ill infiltrate the drug supply trade in Wales and bring down the operation. Set in a rural community which had become the British refuge of the peace and love movement, the tale unveils the flower children and their drug culture as unknowing victims of an increasing web of greed, intrigue and international drug smuggling.

Sympathetically told, the story shows how human nature can sometimes prevail over the criminal justice system and the profit motive, when friendship, loyalty and human decency are involved. While Operation Julie nets the biggest drug bust in the world as of its date, Bentley’s story documents the human cost and missed opportunities to prevent even greater crimes — including the cocaine and heroin trade — through bureaucratic inattention, institutional rigidity and lack of compassion for the people involved. The author’s satisfaction at successfully apprehending the criminals and uncovering even greater crimes is dimmed by the absence of official recognition for superior teamwork, courageous risk-taking and savvy police work, and government failure to continue and expand the program. He laments that British officialdom failed to recognize the brilliant and successful drug interdiction system which the team had evolved, refused to retain the team itslef after the original assignment was over, thus missing a chance to expand it to nationwide scale.

These failures, plus the author’s sense that he has betrayed true friends in making the drug busts, leaves the reader with the haunting realization that human loyalty, friendship and tribal bonding are far more important than achieving shallow political goals, celebrating a few wins in the the public spotlight and punishing some minor offenders.

A minor drawback is that the book’s thematic comments could have had more impact if incorporated along the way, as the suspenseful drama unfolds, rather than devoting several chapters after the action is complete to int erpret and present arguments on the upon meaning and future significance of Operation Julie. Nonetheless, for anyone who wants to understand what lay beneath the apparent innocence of the Peace and Love movement of the 1960s and early 70s, this book is a compelling and fascinating read.
–Peter H. Green, Author of Fatal Designs, A Patrick MacKenna Mystery

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Berk Rourke
A personal "war" on drugs?
Reviewed in the United States on March 15, 2017
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Here is a tale, a real life experience, written by one of the men who lived it. It details the role of Steve "Jackson" Bentley as a UC, and undercover operator in the drug "war" early in its history in the UK. It details the relationships he developed with drug (LSD) manufacturers and purveyors. It details his feelings about the events in which he was involved and the people with which he was involved. Then, with the operation complete, it shows the reader the results of the personal devastation the author went through as an apparent after effect of the time, nearly a year, he spent as a UC. He tells us of some bitterness over being overlooked for awards after the UC operation, and tells of his feelings about those he help put in jail. Finally he tells us of his being convinced the "war on drugs" is a waste of time and damaging in many ways not recognized by leadership of those in the trenches of fighting the "war." I thoroughly enjoyed the book though I found some of the relationships unusual, wondering if I were in his shoes, would I have adopted the same attitudes. A very interesting read but a little difficult in some parts of the book.

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Irene
A raw, captivating true crime story
Reviewed in Canada on February 5, 2020
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Stephen Bentley is an undercover cop. Steve Jackson is a hippie drug dealer – or is he? In order to infiltrate a global drug ring - the characters manufacturing and distributing LSD in the UK, a clandestine group of detectives need to live a double life. This raw, captivating account of working deep undercover in 1970s UK is told by a detective who lived it.

This true story describes not only the intricacies of an undercover operation but also the difficulties detectives experience in adjusting to “normal” life after the project is completed. The author does not hold back in describing the toll it took on his personal life, especially the effects on his mental health at a time when there was little understanding from superiors during an undercover operation and no support afterwards. And, to this day, the author remains conflicted about relationships he established in the past as he asks himself, “who am I?”

As someone who lived in the UK and Ireland while this investigation was going on, I wonder how close some of my acquaintances at that time were to Operation Julie detectives. One of the addresses given in the book was a stone’s throw away from a London squat I lived in.

A great read, but I think it could have ended sooner. All the rambling points at the end sound more like the author trying to convince himself. We, the readers already get it. Case closed.

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Pat McDonald
An honest and compelling read
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 20, 2016
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What a fascinating book! Totally compelling read and even if I didn’t have experience of policing it is well worth the read, and annotated to explain certain things if you aren’t. An insight into the world of the undercover cop Steve Jackson that blew away some of my myths. I found it uniquely honest and a view of policing that we wouldn’t ordinarily get to know about.
Having reviewed this part of policing (although in later years when inspection took its hold) I know a lot about its organisation, funding and regulation, although never allowed to know who these officers were, this book completes the picture for me. Reading about Steve Jackson's setting up of the Legend and surviving deep into this world reinforces my own view of the courage and fortitude of these remarkable people. The sacrifice made by those involved and their respective families receives little press and I think Stephen Bentley underplays this aspect of the job. We have to acknowledge that it is, indeed, a job and the benefits are not for themselves, but for the world in general. We can see quite clearly from this honest and revealing account that it may be others who receive the thanks, accolade and rewards; theirs is only the knowing that they did the job to the best of their abilities. For others it is what I call the OBE effect; honour obtained by ‘Other Buggers Efforts.’
This extraordinary book reveals some of the dangers that UC officers place themselves in; in a world where guns have become commonplace on the streets, the value of human life become frailer, and this job becomes even harder than ever. However, when Bill, the gun carrying Canadian Mafioso drug dealer holds his fingers, simulating a gun, to your head and pretends to blow you away the danger is real, as is the known paranoia of the Drug Dealer who samples his own wares at any time in history to the present day.
This is a real insight into the aftermath and long standing effects that can reach down through the decades. These days I hope and believe that such officers would receive more aftercare, but services to humanity, like the police and the armed forces, (in my opinion) do not take this aspect seriously. This book should be required reading for both. Pat McDonald British Crime Author

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Helen
An interesting, honest memoir
Reviewed in Italy on September 16, 2017
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This brutally honest memoir recounts a time in the seventies where life was completely different. I was only a young child at the time and don't remember Operation Julie, even though it was talked about on the TV and in the papers. But the story is very interesting nonetheless, and gives an insight to police work that is more realistic than anything you'll see on TV. There's no hype, no glorification, no exaggeration of facts - just one man's story, as he remembers it, and as it is written in logs he kept at the time. A good read that reveals what went on behind the scenes and inside the author's head at the time.

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hungrybookworm
Riveting insider account of Operation Julie - but..........
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 25, 2019
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If the whole book had been about Operation Julie I would have definitely said it was the best book on the subject I've read to date, however, the last section of the book is dedicated to drugs, the pros and cons and forthcoming possible legislation, which, though I can understand why the author would include it, I personally found it too long and sorry to say, uninteresting and there were, for some unknown reason, lots of editorial errors in this section which made it even harder reading. The 'where are they now' section is brief to say the least.
I bought this book because I wanted to know more about the actual goings on surrounding Operation Julie and that part of the book was riveting; more so because it was written by someone who was actually in the middle of the action. Written with candour it was both shocking and yet extremely and surprisingly funny in parts. Living life on the edge; in every sense of the words!
Lots of fresh information but very little about Richard Kemp; one of the key players; which was disappointing. Perhaps the author considered Kemp's role to have been covered sufficiently by other authors but as someone who lived in that area for several years, it would have been good to know if the village gossip was true or whether it's been embroidered over time. I know something, the Welsh natives don't miss much and there's usually more fact than fiction in what they tell you, so I think there's still a lot more to be learnt about Operation Julie! Fascinating stuff.

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Mike
compelling but....
Reviewed in Canada on February 23, 2018
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Compelling story but...The manner in which its presented makes it sound as though the author believes since he did one under cover operation that was widely publicized he is the worlds leading authority on it. It also sounds like perhaps the minor roles played by others generated as much or more crucial info. Which begs the question why then does the author come across the way they do. Perhaps somethings weren't conveyed as well as they could have been. It is a great look behind the scenes at things most people never consider though, so for that its worth a read.

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Undercover: Operation Julie - The Inside Story: A Gripping True Crime Story of Britain's Biggest Drug Bust. Kindle Edition

The fascinating and extraordinary inside story from the man who was actually there. - Rob Gittins, Screenwriter and Novelist, Writer of 'Julie' BBC Drama

To infiltrate international drug cartels, he had to become a player..

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Clean Cut Detective to Undercover Hippie

From Clean-cut Detective to Long-haired Hippie

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Cerebral, intense page turner. Turn off Netflix and read this true crime novel!

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5.0 out of 5 stars A vivid insider account

4.0 out of 5 stars A true crime story with a message

5.0 out of 5 stars A personal "war" on drugs?

Top reviews from other countries

5.0 out of 5 stars A raw, captivating true crime story

5.0 out of 5 stars An honest and compelling read

4.0 out of 5 stars An interesting, honest memoir

4.0 out of 5 stars Riveting insider account of Operation Julie - but..........

3.0 out of 5 stars compelling but....

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A vivid insider account

A true crime story with a message

A personal "war" on drugs?

A raw, captivating true crime story

An honest and compelling read

An interesting, honest memoir

Riveting insider account of Operation Julie - but..........

compelling but....