A mother suspects foul play in her son’s death in Spain and has enlisted the services of two former British detectives to look into the case. Sandra Adams, the mother of Brett Dryden, 35, who was discovered deceased last July, has tasked Sam Hutchinson and Emma Coles from Verity Henton Private Investigations with investigating the matter.

Brett, who operated a legal cannabis club known as The Dawg House, was found dead in Mojacar, Costa de Almeria. Spanish authorities believe he may have been a target of a robbery while involved in cannabis transactions. Sandra, residing in Chester-le-Street, Co Durham, is advocating for a renewed police inquiry into her son’s demise.

The hired detectives, Ms Hutchinson and Ms Coles, both former anti-corruption officers with Essex Police, established their investigative agency in April 2020. Their involvement in Brett’s case was revealed following a discrepancy between reports from a Home Office pathologist and a Spanish pathologist regarding the cause of Brett’s death.

Contrary to the Spanish post mortem report citing pulmonary haemorrhage as the cause of death, the Home Office pathologist contested this conclusion, highlighting injuries consistent with assault on Brett’s body. Additionally, CCTV footage featuring two individuals fleeing Brett’s residence with suspected cash and marijuana bags has raised further suspicions.

Despite these findings, the overseeing judge decided to temporarily close the case due to insufficient evidence supporting foul play or a culprit for prosecution. Sandra, dissatisfied with the investigation, handed over a report from the Civil Guard’s homicide unit, believing it to be flawed.

Verity Henton Private Investigations, where the detectives are employed, was sought for a response. The agency, headquartered in Central London’s Mayfair and Essex, comprises around 100 employees, with its founders, nicknamed “spy mums,” gaining recognition for their work. The detectives have also made appearances on ITV’s This Morning in 2022.