Crime Correspondent

Rawle A. London was arrested yesterday after it was discovered that he had money, drugs and a cell phone in his possession.

Rawle A. London was arrested yesterday after it was discovered that he had money, drugs and a cell phone in his possession.

Rawle A. London was arrested yesterday after it was discovered that he had money, drugs and a cell phone in his possession. All are items pr...

Prison officer Adam Vega is accused of plotting to smuggle more than an ounce of cocaine into the Connally Prison Unit in Kenedy.

Prison officer Adam Vega, 21, was arrested in Karnes County. Vega is accused of plotting to smuggle more than an ounce of cocaine into the Connally Prison Unit in Kenedy.Sneaking contraband into a prison is a felony. If convicted, Vega faces from five years to life in prison.“The biggest measure to try to keep the contraband out is just someone’s own honesty and integrity,” said Oscar Mendoza, warden of the McConnell Unit at Beeville.Unfortunately, in the past five years, 219 Texas prison employees were caught trying to sneak contraband to inmates. More than 31 employees have been arrested this year.“Any investigation (that) is initiated on the inside and it takes us to the outside, then we’ll follow those leads and complete the investigation, no matter where it’s at,” said Lt. Terry Cobbs, of the Office of the Inspector General in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. The OIG investigates every incident, employee, guard or inmate who tries to sneak in contraband, and with more than 143,000 thousand inmates in Texas prisons, the department will never run out of work.Prisoners are constantly looking for ways to get their hands on banned items. “Whatever you could think of that they possibly do, I promise you they’ve already done that,” Cobbs said.In the past, drugs were hot commodities, and they still are. In 2008, drugs were confiscated 903 times at Texas prisons. So far this year, they have been confiscated 225 times.When the TDCJ went tobacco-free in 1994, tobacco became the number one item. However, the fastest growing problem in prisons today is cell phones. Last year 561 cell phones were confiscated in Texas prisons. Sometimes, inmates con their relatives or friends into unknowingly bringing contraband into the prisons. And sometimes it comes back to bite the inmate.“There’s the mom who called the warden at one of the facilities and asked if her son could be moved to another location because his cellular reception was not very good where he was housed at,” Cobbs said. But when it’s an employee, plotting with the inmates, there’s nothing funny about it. “He (Vega) was put up in this jail right here,” said Karnes County Sheriff David Jalufka. “He made a $75,000 bond. So I mean he will come before the grand jury in a short time. He will be tried right there on the second floor just like the convicts we try that do anything out here at TDCJ.”

Prison officer Adam Vega is accused of plotting to smuggle more than an ounce of cocaine into the Connally Prison Unit in Kenedy.

Prison officer Adam Vega, 21, was arrested in Karnes County. Vega is accused of plotting to smuggle more than an ounce of cocaine into the C...

Found 32kg of cocaine and £6,000 from the rear quarter panels of Mark Bunton's car

Mark Bunton, 52, from Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire was stopped by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) officers at Dover on June 14 last year. He was d...

Paul Clough,Paul Stromberg convicted of conspiracy to commit a drug trafficking offence outside the UK.

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilEFnmNKNRLXDuVqDQp1BCqRaIITem0sb9KQn8LNCX91LU-Ajzp1OoY3k4H6O5roqhKKVbKr0i1cm6L0M0TsZ2g9wiwe04hn2xcCYfAjUYZeAk7ub7Ba-JHCgq0kriwA2CcCnh_zq90KM/s1600-h/drugs.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5200885338551116562" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilEFnmNKNRLXDuVqDQp1BCqRaIITem0sb9KQn8LNCX91LU-Ajzp1OoY3k4H6O5roqhKKVbKr0i1cm6L0M0TsZ2g9wiwe04hn2xcCYfAjUYZeAk7ub7Ba-JHCgq0kriwA2CcCnh_zq90KM/s400/drugs.jpg" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" /></a>In February of last year, undercover police in Venezuela filmed the Samantha arriving in a warehouse in the port city of Puerto Caballo. Paul Stromberg and Paul Clough will be sentenced later Police seized the boat, and used X-ray equipment to examine it, the court heard. They discovered a substantial number of blocks hidden in the lower half of the boat beneath a false floor. The jury was told after drilling through the floor, they discovered 337 kilos of cocaine said to be "almost perfectly pure". Once "cut" with other drugs it would have had a street value estimated at more than £40m. When he was arrested, Stromberg told detectives from the Serious Organised Crime Agency (Soca), that he was a simple businessman who had property deals and catering interests. The court heard he said: "I'm not a man of lavish means by a long shot; I struggle like the rest of us." Stromberg, of Abergavenny, Gwent, was convicted of conspiracy to commit a drug trafficking offence outside the UK. He had earlier pleaded guilty to possession of the class A drug with intent to supply.The plans of Paul Clough, 44, of Leeds and property dealer Paul Stromberg, 42, to bring their haul of 81% pure cocaine into Britain was foiled by an X-ray, London's Woolwich Crown Court heard. The speedboat, called Samantha, was bought in Venezuela and was to be shipped by container to Portugal before arriving at British shores, the jury heard. But Venezuelan officials who examined the boat in February 2007 found 300 blocks of cocaine concealed skilfully within the fibreglass hull of the vessel and in total 337 kilograms of cocaine were beneath the area of the fuel tank. Clough had earlier pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit a drug trafficking offence outside the UK.A date for sentencing has yet to be set.

Paul Clough,Paul Stromberg convicted of conspiracy to commit a drug trafficking offence outside the UK.

In February of last year, undercover police in Venezuela filmed the Samantha arriving in a warehouse in the port city of Puerto Caballo. Pau...

Raja Ali Arshad,Shazad Majid admitted conspiring to supply Class A drugs

When officers raided the address in Oxford Road, Linthorpe, an attic bedroom revealed a drug-dealing treasure trove - £1.16m of heroin, £4,000 of high-purity cocaine and £626 of crack cocaine, Teesside Crown Court heard.Police have welcomed the convictions of four men embroiled in a huge narcotics conspiracy after Teesside’s biggest ever drugs haul.The Middlesbrough ring could have put millions of pounds worth of cocaine and heroin on to the streets of Teesside.Raja Ali Arshad, 26, who lived at the Oxford Road home, and Shazad Majid, 29, of Westbourne Grove, North Ormesby, admitted conspiring to supply Class A drugs between December 31, 2006 and July 19 last year.Arshad’s brother Murthaza Arshad, 24, also of Oxford Road, and Amin Younis, 31, of Brafferton Road, denied the charge but were convicted by a jury after a four-week trial.Detective Constable Jim Devine said: “Four people who would have poured misery on to the streets will now themselves have a period of time to consider the implications of their ill-gotten trades.”The men will be sentenced in about two weeks’ time.

Raja Ali Arshad,Shazad Majid admitted conspiring to supply Class A drugs

When officers raided the address in Oxford Road, Linthorpe, an attic bedroom revealed a drug-dealing treasure trove - £1.16m of heroin, £4,0...

Anna Budinger pleaded guilty to drug charges

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2VnXD9a_Qc9uuPEWyqatACjz8A-ypX-AQ6k5rv1ckfzIhzZijzJB95lngRSKl2yw05-GraDi5ORWjg3T4W_SZcRx8V-ngMf9VjD5leb1EOHwaH_pyMzYxurMIJ92FC0cDqn_8tCkmSFc/s1600-h/16219148_240X180.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5198876574743172450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2VnXD9a_Qc9uuPEWyqatACjz8A-ypX-AQ6k5rv1ckfzIhzZijzJB95lngRSKl2yw05-GraDi5ORWjg3T4W_SZcRx8V-ngMf9VjD5leb1EOHwaH_pyMzYxurMIJ92FC0cDqn_8tCkmSFc/s320/16219148_240X180.jpg" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" /></a> Anna Budinger was a custodian at Kaimuki High School when she arrested more than two years ago with more than 1/8th of an ounce of crystal methamphetamine, or ice. She pleaded guilty to drug charges.In court on Friday, she again admitted that guilt. "I made a mistake. I crossed a boundary. I know I need to go into treatment," she told the judge.Prosecutors wanted Budinger sentenced to 10 years behind bars because she was a school staff member when she was arrested.Her defense attorney asked for probation, because Budinger had no prior convictions and did not sell drugs to students."The issue was how far away in her car she was located, but it doesn't involve schoolchildren at all," attorney Johnaaron Jones said.However, Budinger admitted to Circuit Court Judge Michael Town that she was still using ice and that the drug would show up if she were tested.Town criticized Budinger for failing to enter a drug treatment program while awaiting sentencing.He sentenced her to one year in prison, but suspended all but 180 days of the prison term. Budinger must also serve five years probation drug free or face additional jail time.

Anna Budinger pleaded guilty to drug charges

Anna Budinger was a custodian at Kaimuki High School when she arrested more than two years ago with more than 1/8th of an ounce of crystal m...

Anselmo Zepeda"major" cocaine trafficker in Ohio, Michigan, Indiana and Illinois.

Anselmo Zepeda, 52,a "major" cocaine trafficker in Ohio, Michigan, Indiana and Illinois was indicted in December 1998 as part of Operation Crackshot. A Mexico native, he was a fugitive until 2005, when FBI agents and the Chicago police made a series of drug arrests. They noticed his name, compared notes and determined it was Zepeda, the man who trucked in millions of dollars worth of cocaine from the Southwest to the Midwest.Mihm noted that Zepeda was the main source of drugs for the Gangster Disciples and the Vice Lords street gangs. In Chicago, he supplied the Four Corner Hustlers."You were in the big business of drugs," noted Mihm, before noting that U.S. probation officers linked Zepeda alone to more than 500 kilograms of cocaine."That's more than 1,000 pounds of cocaine. That's a staggering amount," the judge said.Zepeda pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court as part of a rare, fully negotiated deal with federal prosecutors. Such deals are not common in federal court, where a person's sentencing range is often determined after an investigation by the U.S. Probation Office.The 210-month sentence would run concurrently to two similar 210-month sentences he is serving from federal drug convictions in Indiana and northern Illinois.Kelly of Chicago was convicted in late 1996 and sentenced to 24 years in federal prison for moving hundreds of pounds of cocaine in the Peoria area between 1988 and 1995.Involving local, state and federal authorities, Operation Crackshot took aim at the Gangster Disciples in Peoria and produced charges against about 160 defendants. More than 100 gang members went to prison as a result.

Anselmo Zepeda"major" cocaine trafficker in Ohio, Michigan, Indiana and Illinois.

Anselmo Zepeda, 52,a "major" cocaine trafficker in Ohio, Michigan, Indiana and Illinois was indicted in December 1998 as part of O...

Epiphane Castang, and Nelle George Charged with importing a controlled substance

Charged with importing a controlled substance are Epiphane Castang, 34, and Nelle George, 24, both of St. Lucia. Instant cake mix turned into an instant drug seizure for Canada customs officers at Pearson International Airport recently.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7cn3BmIe2iQa_nH-Wk2lWiD-jrMrOTUOTzj5m80VpdZCeY5p1HDXsW54tMVD6H6enwzoAMpjp-yGFM6xF9RUKOLBoPZkn3dcgvA_lbsR3tDZ8EEe7CiF8Lwxun8EvI-G5DcQyMVNMngE/s1600-h/7cdb0bc647688d5edf29d5f57fb3.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5198647622921524546" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7cn3BmIe2iQa_nH-Wk2lWiD-jrMrOTUOTzj5m80VpdZCeY5p1HDXsW54tMVD6H6enwzoAMpjp-yGFM6xF9RUKOLBoPZkn3dcgvA_lbsR3tDZ8EEe7CiF8Lwxun8EvI-G5DcQyMVNMngE/s320/7cdb0bc647688d5edf29d5f57fb3.jpg" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" /></a> It was followed with an instant investigation by the Peel Children's Aid Society (CAS), as the two women accused of smuggling in the drugs, arrived on a flight with four children.After Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officers discovered the 12 kilograms of cocaine on April 26, which was hidden inside packages of instant cake mix and powdered food, the RCMP charged Quebec residents 37-year-old Sandra Colette Nalvarte, and her mother, 73-year-old Olinda Hortencia Smith, with importing a controlled substance. The drugs have a street value of more than $1.5 million.The two women and children came into Pearson on a flight from Peru, according to the RCMP.Nalvarte's four children are in the custody of Peel CAS pending a review. This week meanwhile, CBSA officers made two separate cocaine seizures on May 5. Both were on the same flight from St. Lucia.During the first incident, a 24 year-old man was charged after customs officers intercepted 4.5 kilograms of cocaine worth more than $560,000, which was "secreted in the spine of the luggage," according to CBSA spokesperson Patrizia Giolti. Daryl Augustin, of St. Lucia, has been charged with importing a controlled substance.Later, CBSA officers arrested a man and woman after 11.5 kilograms of cocaine was found hidden inside "false-sided luggage." The cocaine has a street value of more than $1.4 million.

Epiphane Castang, and Nelle George Charged with importing a controlled substance

Charged with importing a controlled substance are Epiphane Castang, 34, and Nelle George, 24, both of St. Lucia. Instant cake mix turned int...

Joseph Calleja, 30, and his brother Noel, 28 and Doreen Bugeja, 33, all from Santa Venera were charged with heroin possession and trafficking

Joseph Calleja, 30, and his brother Noel, 28 and Doreen Bugeja, 33, all from Santa Venera were charged with heroin possession and trafficking on 6 May and before. The drugs were found after a raid by the Police Drug Squad. A total of 35 grammes of heroin and 10 grammes of cocaine were seized.Doreen Bugeja pleaded not guilty to heroin trafficking, but admitted to charges of simple possession. She was also accused of relapsing in view of previous convictions. The court, presided over by Magistrate Doreen Clarke refused a bail application, but recommended that the Corradino Correctional Facility Director to allow the accused to enrol in a drug rehabilitation programme. The court will pass sentence on 16 May.Joseph Calleja pleaded guilty to heroin possession and trafficking as well as relapsing in view of previous convictions. The court will pass sentence with regard to this case also on 16 May.The younger of the brothers, Noel, pleaded not guilty to charges of heroin and cocaine possession and trafficking. He also pleaded not guilty to assaulting a number of police officers, relapsing in view of previous convictions as well as committing a crime while under the operative period of a suspended prison sentence. Police Inspector Jesmond Borg prosecuted while Dr Mark Busuttil and Dr Stephen Tonna Lowell appeared for the accused.

Joseph Calleja, 30, and his brother Noel, 28 and Doreen Bugeja, 33, all from Santa Venera were charged with heroin possession and trafficking

Joseph Calleja, 30, and his brother Noel, 28 and Doreen Bugeja, 33, all from Santa Venera were charged with heroin possession and traffickin...

Hardy, McReynolds, Plunk, Cantrell, Kelsor, Carmichael, Herdman, Dennison, Lee, Woodson, Bankstron, Jordan and Large, are each charged with one count

Six Nelsonville residents and a Glouster resident were arrested Thursday as part of a year-long, multi-jurisdictional federal heroin investi...

Omar Castaneda, a member of the South Side Pomona gang arrested with a whole kilo of cocaine in his home

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigynuNEwysHpOXOY2uK-7SDAYnakGZdGS2BczhRqAgVYJYkduE9Uc0uNsK8QWak13yiUgVzWFVd1xglavEkiT4m_DL52EgCrNOUk5GhS69mruV8MPLzHcgfu7ZzgmdKTjWeUwpbsCMKUs/s1600-h/blowhand.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5198643126090765618" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigynuNEwysHpOXOY2uK-7SDAYnakGZdGS2BczhRqAgVYJYkduE9Uc0uNsK8QWak13yiUgVzWFVd1xglavEkiT4m_DL52EgCrNOUk5GhS69mruV8MPLzHcgfu7ZzgmdKTjWeUwpbsCMKUs/s400/blowhand.jpg" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" /></a> Omar Castaneda, a member of the South Side Pomona gang,was involved in drug trafficking at the highest level that we've ever seen on a university campus," Mosler said. "His source of supply of the cocaine comes from Mexico. The cartel is responsible for smuggling most of the cocaine from Columbia through our border here in San Diego."Damon Mosler, chief of the Narcotics Division of the San Diego County District Attorney's Office, said that Castaneda, who has a prior conviction for the sale of narcotics, received his supply of drugs from Mexico and members of the cartel.Jesse Navarro, a public affairs officer from the district attorney's office, said the number of Hispanics actually involved is very minimal"I believe there were only two or three Hispanics of the people arrested involved in this organization," Navarro said in Spanish. "We wanted to send a loud and clear message that this is a problem with shared responsibility on both sides of the border."After pleading not guilty yesterday in Superior Court, Castaneda was held on $150,000 bail by Judge Frederick Maguire. Castaneda served three years for his prior drug conviction. "Castaneda is a documented gang member and suspected cocaine supplier," Mosler said. "He was one of the main sources of supply for some of the dealers on the San Diego State campus."When agents searched Castaneda's home they found 1 kilogram of cocaine, Mosler said. "Castaneda was arrested with a whole kilo of cocaine in his home, which is the most cocaine ever found in a campus drug raid," Mosler said.The largest campus drug bust ever in San Diego County, police officers seized four pounds of cocaine, 50 pounds of marijuana and 350 ecstasy pills, as well as cash and weapons during Operation Sudden Fall. They also confiscated semi-automatic weapons, shotguns, and a rifle on Tuesday while arresting 18 students along with 15 others last week.The operation was a joint effort between University Police and the Drug Enforcement Administration.

Omar Castaneda, a member of the South Side Pomona gang arrested with a whole kilo of cocaine in his home

Omar Castaneda, a member of the South Side Pomona gang,was involved in drug trafficking at the highest level that we've ever seen on a u...

Rachel J. Pitcock,Christopher R. Perdue, Robert W. Greenwalt,Donnie D. Norris each charged with manufacturing methamphetamine

Rachel J. Pitcock, 23, of 1722 Allens Creek Road, in Burkesville; Christopher R. Perdue, 35, of 507 Grandview Ave.; Donnie D. Norris, Jr., 24, of 701 Woodland St., in Burkesville; Robert W. Greenwalt, 20, of 112 B Elm Hill Drive; and Daniel G. Elkins, 38, of 314 N. Lee St., Fort Gibson, Okla., were each charged with manufacturing methamphetamine, unlawful possession of a meth precursor, unlawful transaction with a minor and possession of drug paraphernalia. The arrests came after officers with the Glasgow Police Department went to 507 Grandview Ave., to investigate a drug complaint. After arriving at the scene, police made contact with Elkins outside the residence. While the subject was emptying his pockets, marijuana was found and Elkins then fled on foot, according to police. After officers took Elkins into custody, he was searched and a powdered substance believed to be methamphetamine was found on his person. Once police entered the home, they discovered the owner, Perdue, and the other subjects inside. Consent was given to search the home, where officers discovered crushed Sudafed, methanol, Heet, used coffee filters, an HCL generator and several other paraphernalia items, the GPD said. A 16-year-old female juvenile was also found inside the residence. The owner told police that all the subjects inside the home were involved in the manufacturing of meth.

Rachel J. Pitcock,Christopher R. Perdue, Robert W. Greenwalt,Donnie D. Norris each charged with manufacturing methamphetamine

Rachel J. Pitcock, 23, of 1722 Allens Creek Road, in Burkesville; Christopher R. Perdue, 35, of 507 Grandview Ave.; Donnie D. Norris, Jr., 2...

Edgar Millan shot nine times as he came home by professional killers

Edgar Millan shot nine times as he came home early in the morning and opened the door, government officials said."They were hunting him," a spokesman for the Security Ministry said.Mexican media said the attackers, one of whom was caught by Millan's bodyguards, were professional killers hired by the powerful Sinaloa cartel, headed by Mexico's most wanted man, Joaquin "Shorty" Guzman. The man arrested had two pistols, one with a silencer, and was wearing a latex glove. Millan was the head of operations for a federal police force known as the PFP and was in charge of coordinating large-scale operations to break organized crime rings, including drug trafficking.Calderon has sent thousands of troops and federal police to take on drug gangs near the U.S. border and in other parts of Mexico since he took office in December 2006.The president's office condemned the "cowardly murder of an exemplary public servant who was committed to the safety of Mexican families."Millan scuffled with his attackers as they shot him at close range, El Universal newspaper said.

Edgar Millan shot nine times as he came home by professional killers

Edgar Millan shot nine times as he came home early in the morning and opened the door, government officials said."They were hunting him...

Domingo Bailon-Yanez was identified as the alleged leader of that drug distribution ring

Domingo Bailon-Yanez, 30, of Burien, was identified as the alleged leader of that distribution ring. El Flamingo Restaurant is owned by a relative of Bailon-Yanez, and both the manager of the restaurant, Rigoberto Sabalsa-Lozano, 43, of SeaTac, and bartender Carla Rodriguez-Romero, 26, of Kent, have been charged in the case. A 10-month investigation by a law enforcement team, dubbed Operation Pink Tiger, ended Friday with several arrests and the seizure of about 40 pounds of cocaine, a pound of heroin, guns, methamphetamine and about $240,000 in cash.The operation was a joint effort carried out by the King County Sheriff's Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Records said the suspects were believed to be operating a drug distribution ring centered around the El Flamingo restaurant in Burien.Six suspects were arrested late Thursday and charged today with conspiracy to distribute cocaine and methamphetamine. The arrests bring to 17 the total number of defendants charged in the case. One charged defendant remains a fugitive. The operation took it's name from the original target of the probe, who went by the nickname "Tigre," and the fact that cocaine was wrapped in distinctive pink cellophane. The first arrests and indictments in the case occurred in late March 2008, with the arrest of 10 people for conspiracy to distribute cocaine and heroin. This investigation used court-authorized wiretaps, which were left in place even after the first round of arrests. The wiretaps lead to additional evidence which resulted in the additional arrests.Last night, law enforcement executed seven search warrants and seized more than 16 kilos of cocaine, three guns and more than $203,000 in cash. Four cars also were seized. An additional person was arrested for involvement in the drug conspiracy, but later was released when he was found to be a juvenile. Eight search warrants were served on March 25, which resulted in ten arrests, seizure of two kilos of cocaine and a pound of heroin. In addition law enforcement seized three guns, eight cars and $40,000 in cash.The drug-trafficking organization was based in Burien and had direct ties to Sinaloa, Mexico, said Special Agent-in-Charge Arnold R. Moorin. "The organization was large, well-established and was distributing more than 30 kilograms of cocaine per month in the greater Seattle area, Moorin said.Conspiracy to distribute the amounts of drugs involved in this case is punishable by a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison and a $4 million fine.Use of a juvenile to facilitate a drug crime can add an enhancement to the sentencing range, under federal law.

Domingo Bailon-Yanez was identified as the alleged leader of that drug distribution ring

Domingo Bailon-Yanez, 30, of Burien, was identified as the alleged leader of that distribution ring. El Flamingo Restaurant is owned by a re...

Lorenzo Sirignano was the organiser and controller behind Sussex Drug Gangs

Lorenzo Sirignano targeted vulnerable people to do his dirty work for him and threatened them with violence if they did not follow orders.Sirignano, 51, was the mastermind behind the biggest drugs ring to be smashed in Sussex.He put up the money to pay for high purity cocaine to be smuggled from Brazil and Ghana in 2006 and 2007. Sirignano headed a 17-strong gang involved in smuggling, storing, distributing and supplying the Class A drug.He is believed to have personally made at least £2 million before he was arrested in February last year.Detectives believe he made even more from cocaine smuggled into the country undetected.Undercover police bugged his cars and listened in as he drove around Brighton and Hove with other members of his drugs gang.In one chilling conversation he is overheard threatening to shoot or petrol bomb Robert Paige after they fell out and Paige quit the gang in fear.Sirignano and nine members of the drugs ring have so far been sentenced to a total of 100 years behind bars.Seven others will be sentenced at Hove Crown Court today.Judge Paul Tain told Sirignano: "The picture of you is one of a powerful Mr Big of the drugs world with links in Ghana, Brazil, London and locally. "You were well versed in countersurveillance methods and the manipulation of others. "You distanced yourself from the offences by getting others to take the risks and to do your dirty work."You were the organiser and controller behind these conspiracies and it is obvious that you were prepared to use the threat of serious violence to achieve your criminal objectives."Sirignano lived in a large detached house in Ferndale Road, Burgess Hill, and ran a property management business.But his drugs empire was based at a tatty semi-detached house in Carlisle Road, Hove, where police found cocaine and amphetamines hidden in garages and in a van. Sirignano used drug addicts, tenants or employees to do his drugs work for him.They included 64-year-old grandmother Patricia Edwards, from Lewes, who was caught trying to smuggle 3kg of cocaine from Brazil for Sirignano.She had no previous convictions but was desperate for money and allowed Sirignano to persuade her to become a drugs mule, making three trips to Brazil. Edwards is now serving four years in a jail in Sao Paulo for attempting to smuggle cocaine.Detectives smashed the drugs ring when they arrested Sirignano and his lackeys as they waited at Heathrow for 10kg of cocaine worth £1.3 million to arrive from Ghana on February 19 last year.Undercover officers had spent months following Sirignano and listening in to his conversations as part of Operation Nash.Anthony Glass, QC, prosecuting, said Sirignano's bugged conversations showed he was a professional drugs dealer. Detectives eavesdropped as he told one dealer: "I got me bloke from Ghana. We are trying to send someone over and collect 15 keys (kilograms), some shiny block."Drugs mules Gary Waterman, 41, of Bengairn Avenue, Brighton, and Dean Swaysland, 28, of Southall Avenue, Brighton, were arrested as they got off the flight from Ghana at Heathrow.Their minder Michael Mensa-Bonsu, 42, of Ashley Court, Hove, was also arrested as he disembarked behind themWaterman was jailed yesterday for seven and a half years and Swaysland for eight and a half years.Mensa-Bonsu, who has previous convictions for smuggling drugs in France and Switzerland, was jailed for 16 years.Crack cocaine addict Karen Colvin, 48, of Tilgate Close, Brighton, and drugs mule Adrian Hughes, 23, of Carlisle Road, Hove, were arrested as they waited with Sirignano in his car at Heathrow. Colvin was one of Sirignano's tenants and was married to Darren Waterman who is already in prison for smuggling cocaine from France.Waterman, 43, of Albert Road, Brighton, will be sentenced today for transferring more than £46,000 to Brazil for Sirignano.Colvin recruited his brother Gary Waterman to make the drugs run to Ghana with Swaysland and was at Heathrow to identify him to Sirignano.Colvin also transferred more than £58,000 of Sirignano's money to Brazil, Ghana and Canada to pay for cocaine.She was jailed for 12 years.She got her son Marlon Colvin, 20, snared in the investigation by getting him to use his passport to transfer just under £2,000 to Ghana for her.A jury found him not guilty of money laundering last week after he said he was just doing a favour for his mother and had no idea the cash was to be used to buy cocaine.Robert Paige, 51, of Sackville Road, Hove, was was jailed for ten years for conspiracy to smuggle drugs and conspiracy to supply cocaine. Michael Back, 49, of Carlisle Road, Hove, was given ten years for conspiracy to supply the Class A drug.Adrian Hughes, 23, who shared a flat with Back in Carlisle Road, was one of the vulnerable people targeted and groomed by Sirignano.He was jailed for two years for conspiracy to smuggle cocaine and conspiracy to supply cocaine.Sami Zarifa, 47, of Sussex Heights, Brighton, and Denis Mema, 22, of Montpelier Road, Hove, were given five years each for conspiracy to supply cocaine. All the defendants had pleaded guilty to their roles in the cocaine conspiracy.Sussex Police welcomed the stiff sentences.Det Chief Supt Kevin Moore, head of Sussex CID, said: "Operation Nash was the highest profile case in recent years. It highlights perfectly the importance of policing an area at the very top of the tree when it comes to serious and organised crime."Det Insp Jez Graves, who led Operation Nash, said: "The sentences should act as a deterrent for others who plan to become involved in trafficking drugs into our communities."

Lorenzo Sirignano was the organiser and controller behind Sussex Drug Gangs

Lorenzo Sirignano targeted vulnerable people to do his dirty work for him and threatened them with violence if they did not follow orders.Si...

Simon Finlay, Phillip Grange charged with conspiracy to import illegal drugs

Simon Finlay, 32, of Park Lane, Wesham, and, 54, of Park Valley, The Park, Nottingham, appeared before South Lakeland Magistrates' Court...

Tony Mokbel will be extradited to Australia from Greece to face trial on murder and drugs charges.

Tony Mokbel will be extradited to Australia from Greece to face trial on murder and drugs charges.The extradition was approved today by Greece's Justice Minister, Sotiris Hadjigakis, who ratified an earlier decision by the country's Supreme Court, The Associated Press reports.However, Victoria's Police Minister Bob Cameron said there had been no official word from Greece on Mokbel's status. "We welcome the news coming out of Greece, however, Victorian Police is yet to receive any official confirmation,'' he said tonight. Mokbel faces at least 20 charges related to cocaine importation and the deaths of underworld heavyweights Lewis Moran and Michael Marshall. He sparked a global manhunt after skipping bail on March 20, 2006 while on trial for cocaine smuggling.Following his disappearence, he was convicted in absentia and sentenced to up to 12 years' jail.He was arrested on an Interpol warrant last June at a cafe near the rented beachside Athens home he shared with his partner, Danielle McGuire and their young daughter Renate. Mokbel fought the extradition, saying he would not get a fair trial in Australia.After the Supreme Court ruling, he said he would prefer to be extradited to anywhere but Australia, including Beirut. "You would probably get a fairer trial for me in bloody Indonesia," he said at the time.

Tony Mokbel will be extradited to Australia from Greece to face trial on murder and drugs charges.

Tony Mokbel will be extradited to Australia from Greece to face trial on murder and drugs charges.The extradition was approved today by Gree...

Terry Joe “Chewer” Murray found guilty after a jury trial in U.S. District Court in Syracuse, of operating a drug conspiracy in St. Lawrence County

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO6xFye9tcu9TTLaEQuQvWOnYK1CtEDJi8jS-Qf1dftnGWiFyEVAX1yk8DI4nLg_eZrAiFu-hXBOuUy9lCpBbw2K1RKpQ9x30VYSrVZtqNa1wakXV83oMU2FGvfF7CDB_B0m6CS-8srl8/s1600-h/Original.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5197713949439550162" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO6xFye9tcu9TTLaEQuQvWOnYK1CtEDJi8jS-Qf1dftnGWiFyEVAX1yk8DI4nLg_eZrAiFu-hXBOuUy9lCpBbw2K1RKpQ9x30VYSrVZtqNa1wakXV83oMU2FGvfF7CDB_B0m6CS-8srl8/s200/Original.jpg" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" /></a>The following co-conspirators were arrested and have already pled guilty to federal felony conspiracy charges:Gregory A. James, 37, Heuvelton Randy A. Coller, 46, Ogdensburg Johnny L. Bogardus, 42, Ogdensburg Sonya L. Trimm, 35, Ogdensburg <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjAFxGDeBZyPCoDGVBqAy0ScVqJQXwmeXJ57bjwvYpj4X_f7xXuqLLXToLTrMbJsIEDEtB8iAYQO3xh2n54ICgkpSZlG2JpKAgzjTqgqE1knnJVxEfqVI98t3PmdLbC9CDaGx_JgFZh0o/s1600-h/Headline.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5197713953734517474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjAFxGDeBZyPCoDGVBqAy0ScVqJQXwmeXJ57bjwvYpj4X_f7xXuqLLXToLTrMbJsIEDEtB8iAYQO3xh2n54ICgkpSZlG2JpKAgzjTqgqE1knnJVxEfqVI98t3PmdLbC9CDaGx_JgFZh0o/s200/Headline.jpg" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT3xKIi0EsSK2R7vfo5iRVhvN-y03-mbzd9vy9mr1_4YU-lBbwpNNqA_nfraHFTOGtda-6JLrdYciLgHuHbc8xi3mFAerfmxKbdRZdX0MiXiq6SGI8j9yM_-VHVaj1UMJQKqD1JlCawRg/s1600-h/Headline2.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5197713953734517490" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT3xKIi0EsSK2R7vfo5iRVhvN-y03-mbzd9vy9mr1_4YU-lBbwpNNqA_nfraHFTOGtda-6JLrdYciLgHuHbc8xi3mFAerfmxKbdRZdX0MiXiq6SGI8j9yM_-VHVaj1UMJQKqD1JlCawRg/s200/Headline2.jpg" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgemZBp5soHG4_RfNHEhtXQqtBU0BEH6U14PwFe8epDKTHu0uO8JAypq8HWt7OMkdfMhaasfUqWpd4P3dnGRVfc8pMps0o0GtgqNYOBUrD_ug02QC5Nj8ufyXAEXP8ntV7hNKkvXbtLfKA/s1600-h/Story.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5197713958029484802" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgemZBp5soHG4_RfNHEhtXQqtBU0BEH6U14PwFe8epDKTHu0uO8JAypq8HWt7OMkdfMhaasfUqWpd4P3dnGRVfc8pMps0o0GtgqNYOBUrD_ug02QC5Nj8ufyXAEXP8ntV7hNKkvXbtLfKA/s200/Story.jpg" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" /></a> Amber M. Murray, 32, Ogdensburg Terry Joe “Chewer” Murray, 49, of Ogdensburg, was found guilty after a jury trial in U.S. District Court in Syracuse, of operating a drug conspiracy in St. Lawrence County in 2006.In late 2006, numerous complaints of suspected drug activity at 720 Jay Street in Ogdensburg led to the Drug Task Force investigation.Police surveillance of Murray’s residence confirmed that multiple known cocaine dealers and customers frequented his residence which was outfitted with an elaborate video surveillance system.Murray was accused of being one of six people who were involved in a conspiracy to distribute cocaine powder and crack cocaine in 2006.Murray, who has three prior felony convictions, was found by the jury to have distributed or possessed with intent to distribute, in excess of 50 grams of crack cocaine and in excess of five kilograms of powder cocaine. The evidence at trial showed that Murray was obtaining cocaine in Syracuse and Rochester and then distributing it to customers and other dealers in St. Lawrence County.Murray faces the possibility of a mandatory life sentence and will be sentenced on September 29.

Terry Joe “Chewer” Murray found guilty after a jury trial in U.S. District Court in Syracuse, of operating a drug conspiracy in St. Lawrence County

The following co-conspirators were arrested and have already pled guilty to federal felony conspiracy charges:Gregory A. James, 37, Heuvelto...

Darren Morris, Mark Neville,Peter Hannigan charged with importing £15m cocaine .

Darren Morris, 32, Mark Neville, 41, both of Preston, and Peter Hannigan, 49, of Kendal - have been charged with importing illegal drugs. The three are to appear before South Lakeland magistrates over the 140kg drug raid at the port of Harwich, Essex. The raid was the result of a long-running intelligence-gathering operation led by Cumbria Police with assistance from Lancashire Police and HM Customs.It is understood to be one of the biggest seizures yet made on the UK mainland.The consignment arrived via Holland and was destined for the streets of Britain, police said.Drugs were discovered when two vehicles were stopped and searched entering a port in the UK on Saturday morning.The drugs seizure was the result of an on-going investigation by officers from Cumbria Police headquarter's CID unit, assisted by Lancashire Constabulary and HM Customs and Revenue.Six men have been arrested after the haul was discovered when two cars were stopped and searched at a UK port yesterday morning.Police said it is one of the biggest mainland seizures ever made in the UK.Detective Chief Inspector Jeff Ashton, of Cumbria CID, said the port where the seizure was made cannot yet be identified for "operational reasons".He did say it was outside the Cumbria area and added that his force was now working with other police forces as a series of raids take place in Lancashire, Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire and others.Police said the Lancashire raids took place in Preston and Leyland.He said: "It was discovered when two vehicles were stopped and searched as they entered the UK from mainland Europe yesterday morning. "At this stage I don't want to disclose further details of how or where the seizure took place."This is because six males have been arrested and they are in custody awaiting interview."There are also on-going operations with about five other forces to trace others suspected of being involved. "A number of private and business addresses across the UK are being raided." He added: "I am absolutely delighted with the success of this operation and the fact that we have prevented such a large quantity of cocaine from reaching the streets of Britain."

Darren Morris, Mark Neville,Peter Hannigan charged with importing £15m cocaine .

Darren Morris, 32, Mark Neville, 41, both of Preston, and Peter Hannigan, 49, of Kendal - have been charged with importing illegal drugs. Th...

Laverna March was arraigned on charges of intent to distribute, possession of heroin and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Laverna March, 44, was stopped at about 3 p.m. Monday, March provided false identification and the trooper observed "indicators of crim...

Corey Ferguson sentenced to 25 years guilty of conspiracy and aiding and abetting the distribution of cocaine

Corey Ferguson of Alvaton was found guilty of conspiracy and aiding and abetting the distribution of cocaine, out of the FADZ 4 DAYZ barber ...

Dustin F. Bishop driving under the influence (drugs), possession of a controlled substance (heroin), fleeing-attempting to elude police

Dustin F. Bishop, 27, 1949 North 31st Road, Ottawa, was arrested at 7:26 p.m. on Interstate 80 at the Marseilles exit on complaints of drivi...

Tim Montgomery denied bond on federal heroin distribution charges.

Montgomery appeared today in U.S. District Court before Magistrate Judge F. Bradford Stillman. He pleaded not guilty to the charges and requested a jury trial, which the judge set for July 9.A federal judge denied bond for former track star Tim Montgomery on federal heroin distribution charges.The former 100-meter world-record holder was arrested last week on a sealed indictment accusing him of dealing more than 100 grams of heroin in Virginia.Stillman said Montgomery is a flight risk and a danger to the community, noting he is accused of dealing heroin in Virginia four times to a government informant after he pleaded guilty in a New York-based check-kiting conspiracy. He is to be sentenced May 16 in that case.The 33-year-old Montgomery pleaded guilty in the New York case, admitting he helped his former coach, Olympic champion Steve Riddick, and others cash $1.7 million in stolen and counterfeit checks. He faces up to 46 months in prison. Eric Hurt, an assistant U.S. attorney, called the heroin case straightforward. Montgomery met four times with a confidential informant from August to April, dealing a total of 111 grams of heroin for $8,450, Hurt told the judge.Authorities recorded the meetings on audiotape and, in two cases, also on videotape. Drug Enforcement Administration agents also observed the transactions, Hurt said. Montgomery’s defense attorney James O. Broccoletti declined to comment after the hearing, as did members of Montgomery’s family, who were in court. Riddick is serving a five-year prison term. Montgomery’s former companion, Olympic gold medalist Marion Jones, is serving a six-month prison term for lying to investigators about the check-fraud scam and using steroids. Montgomery won a gold medal in the 400 relay at the 2000 Olympics and a silver medal in the 400 relay at the 1996 Olympics. Montgomery retired in December 2005 after he was banned from track for two years by the Court of Arbitration for Sport for doping linked to the investigation of BALCO, the lab at the center of a steroid scandal in sports. He never tested positive for drugs and has said he never knowingly took any banned substances. All performances after March 31, 2001, were wiped from the books, including his world record of 9.78 seconds in the 100 meters in September 2002.

Tim Montgomery denied bond on federal heroin distribution charges.

Montgomery appeared today in U.S. District Court before Magistrate Judge F. Bradford Stillman. He pleaded not guilty to the charges and requ...

Giuseppe Greco has been jailed for seven years by Ipswich Crown Court after attempting to smuggle £118,400 worth of drugs through Stansted Airport.

An Italian man has been jailed for seven years by Ipswich Crown Court after attempting to smuggle £118,400 worth of drugs through Stansted Airport. The man, Giuseppe Greco, 24 who was a carpenter from Sardinia attempted to smuggle the drugs on January the 16th 2008. For a reason that is still not clear Greco attempted to abandon his luggage containing the drugs at the airport but was stopped by Revenue and Customs officers.Greco, when challenged, claimed to have lost the keys for his baggage. However when they were scanned it was discovered that there were 33 rectangular packages inside them. As a result of the discovery the officers forced the locks on his baggage and a set of scales was found with most of the rectangular packages containing cannabis resin, along with two containing cocaine. Also inside were ten pellets that looked as if they had been made to be carried internally. Greco was sent to the local hospital to ensure that there were no more packages inside his body.In sentencing Greco, Judge Mckittrick stated that his addiction to drugs and previous convictions involving prostitutes could not be overlooked and he had decided to issue a custodial sentence for the Italian.

Giuseppe Greco has been jailed for seven years by Ipswich Crown Court after attempting to smuggle £118,400 worth of drugs through Stansted Airport.

An Italian man has been jailed for seven years by Ipswich Crown Court after attempting to smuggle £118,400 worth of drugs through Stansted A...

Faron Blanchard, is charged with importing and possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking.

Faron Blanchard, 41, is charged with importing and possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking. He next returns to court June 3. Blanchard was arrested Feb. 27 after officers from the Canada Border Service Agency discovered 230 kilograms of cocaine in the cab of a transport truck entering Canada. It was the largest seizure of cocaine at a land border crossing in Canadian history. A court order preventing publication of evidence presented at Friday's day-long hearing was necessary to ensure a fair trial, Justice of the Peace Stewart Taylor said. Outside the courtroom, federal prosecutor Michael Robb said cocaine seizures are on the rise. Three significant seizures have been made at the bridge so far this year, and nine in the previous two years. Many involved commercial truckers carrying perishable produce from California. About 3,700 trucks cross the bridge daily and border officers can only conduct secondary inspections on about 35 of them. Because cross-border trade is the nation's economic lifeblood, officers are under pressure to prevent delays, Robb said. Secondary inspection techniques now include X-ray-like scans that can reveal hidden cargo, a technology that assisted in the Feb. 27 bust.

Faron Blanchard, is charged with importing and possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking.

Faron Blanchard, 41, is charged with importing and possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking. He next returns to court June 3. Bl...

Carolina and Alejandro Gonzalez were arrested in August after officers with a search warrant went to their home

Carolina and Alejandro Gonzalez were arrested in August after officers with a search warrant went to their home in the 2800 block of South Jennings Avenue. Police have said the arrests culminated a two-month investigation in which undercover officers bought black-tar heroin five times at the house. When police executed the search warrant, they found nearly an ounce of heroin, scales, drug paraphernalia and a ledger that recorded who bought the heroin and the price.On March 10 -- the same day her husband died -- Carolina Gonzalez, 58, reached an agreement with prosecutors and was sentenced to 22 years in prison after pleading guilty to five charges of delivering and manufacturing a controlled substance, according to court records. According to court records, Alejandro and Carolina Gonzalez were arrested Sept. 4, 1996, for possessing 4 to 200 grams of heroin with the intent to deliver. Alejandro Gonzalez, then 69, and his wife each received seven years of deferred adjudication. Alejandro Gonzalez's case was dismissed in 2004 after he completed his probation. His wife's probation was later revoked and she was sentenced to two years in prison because she repeatedly used opium-derived medications without a valid prescription, court records show.

Carolina and Alejandro Gonzalez were arrested in August after officers with a search warrant went to their home

Carolina and Alejandro Gonzalez were arrested in August after officers with a search warrant went to their home in the 2800 block of South J...

Diana Rallo a notorious local drug dealer spend life without parole in the state penitentiary after finding her guilty of drug trafficking.

jury has recommended that a notorious local drug dealer spend life without parole in the state penitentiary after finding her guilty of drug trafficking.Formal sentencing for Diana Rallo, 55, has been scheduled for June 4.Testimony in Rallo’s trial began on Tuesday and continued through Wednesday when the jury eventually retired at about 1 p.m. It took jurors approximately two hours to return with a “guilty” verdict.The jury has also recommended that Rallo pay a $150,000 fine.A pre-sentence investigation has been ordered in the case.According to a probable cause affidavit, at approximately 8:30 a.m. March 22, 11th Judicial Drug Task Force officers set up a surveillance in the 1300 block of South Keeler Avenue. Rallo and a man named Jack Morrison pulled up in a vehicle and were immediately surrounded by police. Morrison reportedly got out of the vehicle without incident, but police say Rallo became combative, kicking, hitting and attempting to bite officers.After Rallo was secured, police reportedly found a plastic container that had been knocked out of the vehicle during the struggle. Inside the container officers found a large freezer bag that contained a “large amount of crystal like substance,” according to the affidavit. The substance, which later field tested positive for methamphetamine, was 450 grams with a street value of $45,000, reports indicate. As Rallo was booked into the Bartlesville Jail, police also found a black zipper purse in Rallo’s right front coat pocket. Police say the purse contained three baggies of a similar substance and a small glass pipe.Rallo has previous drug-related convictions in Washington County.Morrison faces charges of trafficking methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia and maintaining a vehicle where drugs are kept. His next hearing is scheduled for July 9.

Diana Rallo a notorious local drug dealer spend life without parole in the state penitentiary after finding her guilty of drug trafficking.

jury has recommended that a notorious local drug dealer spend life without parole in the state penitentiary after finding her guilty of drug...

Andrew Martin was arrested after Richmond police pulled him over for suspicious driving.

Andrew Martin, 30, 212 N. Salen St., Boston, was arrested after Richmond police pulled him over for suspicious driving. After a search, poli...

Susanna Binti Janury has been charged with drug smuggling after she allegedly arrived at East Midlands Airport with cocaine

Susanna Binti Janury has been charged with drug smuggling after she allegedly arrived at East Midlands Airport with cocaine, said HM Revenue...

Ashley Harmon,Mark Sayce jailed for four years

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_-4s8MVmxJl1fTo9YvZHj5h1cIsaLpIdBdxvuUgKda3vU8cefdCw7-buWmQwwRR7kHzUoG7Qv4yznCChP33oZDKhQa2_q6lYrckFQ1O7SuD2QEuJRygOK3B2XtS02I0jlaJF07Z2CvwQ/s1600-h/141484.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5195190967284043090" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_-4s8MVmxJl1fTo9YvZHj5h1cIsaLpIdBdxvuUgKda3vU8cefdCw7-buWmQwwRR7kHzUoG7Qv4yznCChP33oZDKhQa2_q6lYrckFQ1O7SuD2QEuJRygOK3B2XtS02I0jlaJF07Z2CvwQ/s400/141484.jpg" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQsKiR0gGoUcoKDYE1N79SDLsVvXqIU5Q0XAPVG4jZFd0RAt9xvebSx4FB2b6YqrZpNmL-ZRyGNrGcB6LiAwKGObSv-3tiYabeWt8T4qkCOjjWbIjG6D3zkGudo2wuGtD5h-r6LOZCEZk/s1600-h/141485.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5195190984463912290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQsKiR0gGoUcoKDYE1N79SDLsVvXqIU5Q0XAPVG4jZFd0RAt9xvebSx4FB2b6YqrZpNmL-ZRyGNrGcB6LiAwKGObSv-3tiYabeWt8T4qkCOjjWbIjG6D3zkGudo2wuGtD5h-r6LOZCEZk/s400/141485.jpg" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" /></a> Ashley Harmon, aged 27, of Lime Grove, Hinton, Hereford; Mark Sayce, aged 34, of Archenfield, Madley; Timothy Kaye, aged 26, of Archenfield, Madley; and Paul Kings, aged 35, of Springfield Avenue, Hunderton, Hereford; all admitted a series of charges related to supplying heroin and were each jailed for four years. His Honour Judge Richard Rundell told the four that evidence showed they had set up a “significant operation” to meet a ready market. Anthony Johnston, prosecuting, told the court that the gang used Kings’ flat in Hunderton to sell from and kept its stocks at Sayce’s home in Madley. A police surveillance team spent several weeks watching the flat between July and September last year to see a steady stream of addicts calling and deals being done. Another team was watching Sayce’s address at Madley. Sayce and Kaye were caught with more than £1,000 worth of the the drug that they had been seen buying in Gloucester when undercover officers stopped and searched their car. Raids on the two target addresses were launched last September. At Archenfield, officers had to force their way through a front door that had been barricaded by a metal pole and saw Harmon hurl heroin, just bought in Newport, out of a window. The Springfield Road flat was found full of evidence that deals were being done, but no heroin. The four gave little away in police interviews and were freed on bail. Kings was arrested again in October when heroin was found in his shed and told officers that he had let Sayce and Harmon use his flat to sell the drug. All four then faced conspiracy charges. The court heard that the defendants were heroin addicts with previous convictions that ranged from drugs offences and dishonesty to counterfeiting. Anna Midgley, for Harmon and Kaye, said the “hand-to-mouth” dealing being done was solely to feed the gang’s own addiction. Sarah Przybylska, for Sayce, said the gang made no profit from the operation beyond that to fund modest lifestyles. Michael Aspinall, for Kings, said his client let his flat be used for drug dealing in return for heroin.

Ashley Harmon,Mark Sayce jailed for four years

Ashley Harmon, aged 27, of Lime Grove, Hinton, Hereford; Mark Sayce, aged 34, of Archenfield, Madley; Timothy Kaye, aged 26, of Archenfield,...