AN ORGANISED crime group from Warwickshire has been sentenced to 96 years in prison for a variety of drugs offences.
Ten men were sentenced on Wednesday (September 3) at Birmingham Crown Court including 20-year-old Jack Bromell, of Richards Close, Kenilworth, who was jailed for 4 years and 9 months.
Warwickshire Police and West Mercia Police’s Serious and Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) began an investigation – Operation Toulouse – in July 2012 focusing on the criminal activity involved in regional and national distribution of multi-kilo amounts of cocaine and amphetamine.
The covert investigation resulted in the arrest of the men during July 2013.
Speaking about the outcome of the investigation, Detective Chief Inspector Ally Wright, said: “We are delighted with the sentences and it’s particularly satisfying a large number of individuals involved in both regional and national drug supply will now be off the streets of Warwickshire for some time.
“The group were solely motivated by greed and preyed on some of the most vulnerable members of our communities. These long custodial sentences should serve as a clear message that targeting those people involved in the illicit supply of drugs will always remain a priority for Warwickshire Police and West Mercia Police.”
He added: “I’d like to thank the investigating team for their outstanding dedication and commitment in bringing these offenders to justice.”
In addition to the custodial sentences, 18.25 kilos of amphetamine, 12.28 kilos of cocaine, 5 kilos of ketamine, 412 diazepam tablets, and 342g of cannabis resin with a combined street value of approximately £5.25million was seized, along with a firearm and £100,000 in cash.
