organised gang who were involved in one of the biggest heroin supply operations ever uncovered in Wales were jailed for a total of 68 years 10 months by Judge Rhys Rowlands at Cardiff Crown Court.
The 10 men, were given the sentences following an intelligence-led operation by officers from the Tarian Regional Task Force supported by Gwent Police, South Wales police, Nottinghamshire police, Greater Manchester Police and the Serious Organised Crime Agency (SOCA).
During the arrest operation, which involved arrests being made in Newport, Cardiff, Llanbradach, Manchester and Nottingham on June 17th 2010 (a year to today's sentencing), officers made the largest single seizure of heroin in Welsh Policing history.
The 17.6kg of Heroin had an approximate street value of £1.76 million. The investigation led to the discovery of a drugs network stretching from Wales to the North West of England. In addition to the heroin, discovered in the Stockport area of Manchester, a hydraulic press, and around 300kg of substances used as cutting agents were seized by officers. When cut together the substances recovered could have lead to the supply of half a ton of heroin with an approximate street value of £50 million.
Also recovered was a total of £150,000 in cash.
Detective Superintendent Chris Dodd, the Tarian Co-ordinator, said:"This was a highly organised criminal network who believed they were above the law and able to distribute drugs on an industrial scale with impunity. The Tarian operation brought together partners from other law enforcement agencies and showed that when working together, no-one is beyond our reach.
"This gang can reflect on that as they serve their sentences. The convictions should also serve as a warning to anyone thinking that drug dealing in our region is a way to make money. Criminals involved in drug supply to Wales should expect to be arrested and face prosecution, wherever they are based. The Wales Regional Asset Recovery Team (RART) has been involved from the outset and will now work to confiscate the assets of all those involved with this gang.
"Today’s result is a further example of the TARIAN commitment to tackling the threat, harm and risk caused by serious and organised crime involving drugs. We will continue to work with our partners and with the wider Criminal Justice system to attack this poisonous trade, prosecute the offenders and also ensure that those involved do not retain any profit from their criminality."
The senior Police Officer in Newport ,Superintendent David Johnson added:"The gang attained a certain status in the area as dealers, and their criminality created a significant negative impact on the local community. I’m delighted that they are no longer able to cause misery in our City.
"Drug dealers like these have no regard for the harm they inflict. It’s has been said many times before that drug dealing is a vile trade which has catastrophic effects on people, families and communities, and I echo that again today.
"Drugs destroy the lives of those who not only abuse the drug, but also those who are victims of drug related crime.
"I want to reassure the local community that we will continue to work towards making Newport a safer and better place people to live and work
."If anyone has any information about drug dealing or suspected drug dealing in their community I would urge them to get in touch with us. It’s only by working together that we can reduce the supply, and in turn help to reduce demand and reduce harm.
"Anyone who has any information on drug dealing should contact the Police by ringing 101. Information can also be passed on anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."
SOCA's Gerry Smyth said:"Drug trafficking gangs do not respect geographical jurisdictions, so they should be aware of the strength of collaboration between law enforcement bodies to ensure they are tracked down, taken out of action, and prevented from profiting from their crimes. The benefits of this investigation will be tangible throughout Wales and in the north of England, and SOCA will continue to work at home and internationally to protect UK communities from being damaged by the Class A drugs trade."
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