Paul Birkenshaw jailed for three-and-half years for three charges of supplying heroin

Paul Birkenshaw, 28, of Sycamore Avenue, Peacock, Wakefield, jailed for three-and-half years for three charges of supplying heroin, Paul Kay, 27, jailed for three years for three charges of supplying heroin, Craig Hampshire, 31, of Wrenthorpe Lane, Wrenthorpe, jailed for two years for three charges of supplying class A drugs and Gareth Lee Price, 28, jailed for three years for supplying heroin.
Police spent months gathering evidence before making their move.
Detective Chief Inspector Simon Beldon who led the investigation said: "This operation was set up to remove Class A drug dealers from the streets of the Wakefield District and put them behind bars where they belong."I hope this sends a clear message to dealers that we will use a variety of tactics to disrupt their activity, and make them face the consequences of their actions.
"We also realise that the disruption to the markets means that drug users have also had their supply cut, and we have been supported by workers from the Drug Interventions Programme to offer support to those affected."Drug misuse cuts across all communities and breeds crime, violence and anti-social behaviour. We will not tolerate this sort of illegal activity and we would ask for the public's continued support in helping us put a stop to it."People should feel reassured that where we receive information, we will act on it. This operation has demonstrated we will put in the time and resources to get positive results."
Detective Sergeant Paul Dignan from DIP said: "The operation provided us with an opportunity to engage with drug users and steer them towards treatment while there was a shortage of drugs following the arrest of the dealers.
"We engaged with a total of 106 people, 67 of whom were already in treatment at the time, the remaining 37 were offered help too. Work continues with drug users to encourage them into treatment and to break the cycle between drugs and crime."
Crime Manager of Wakefield District Division, Detective Chief Inspector Dean Henson said: "These results are excellent and testament to work carried out by a number of police officers and partners.Neighbourhood Policing Teams in Wakefield supported by the Neighbourhood Drug Team and detectives will continue to pursue criminals involved in drug dealing, we will act on all community information relating to drugs and we will make life very uncomfortable for anyone involved in the business of illicit drug supply and associated criminality.He added: "I would urge members of the public who suspect that anyone is involved in crime to contact their local NPT or ring Crimestoppers anonymously where we are supporting Dob in a Dealer and Bag a Burglar campaigns."