Amphetamines drug gang jailed for almost 19 years
Members of a gang which brought more than £150,000 worth of drugs to Devon have been jailed for a total of almost 19 years.
A police raid caught three of the gang red-handed with 2.2kg of amphetamines - worth about £30,000.
The five men have been jailed at Exeter Crown Court for between five years and three months, and two years and six months, with one man yet to be sentenced.
All men admitted drugs-related crimes.
Peter Coombe, prosecuting, said the conspiracy started in October 2013 and ran until the Devon and Cornwall Police raid in August 2014. In that time five drugs runs had been made to Exeter.
He said the gang was in contact with people in Liverpool and Berkshire who were sourcing drugs from an organised crime group.
The court heard the drugs were mixed for resupply which yielded "greater profits".
The defendants are:
- Richard Armitage, 33, of Week St Mary, near Holsworthy, admitted conspiracy to supply amphetamines and cannabis. Jailed for five years and three months
- Gary Turley, 55, of Fullers Court, Exeter, admitted conspiracy to supply amphetamines and cannabis. Jailed for two years and six months
- Brett Seldon, 33, of Briar Crescent, Exeter, admitted conspiracy to supply amphetamines. Jailed for five years and three months
- Marc Smith, 30, of Briar Crescent, Exeter, admitted conspiracy to supply amphetamines. Jailed for three years and four months
- Shaun Greenham, 33, of Wonford Road, Exeter admitted conspiracy to supply amphetamines. Jailed for two years and six months
- Richard Evans, 47, of High Street, Newton Poppleford, admitted conspiracy to supply amphetamines. Yet to be sentenced.
After court, Det Sgt Rob Youngman said "Seldon and Armitage were controlling the commercial supply of drugs from Liverpool and Slough and did so to fund their lavish lifestyles, which included high performance vehicles, clothing, gadgets and gambling.
"They were organising the mixing of drugs to maximise their profit and would use others to sell these drugs."
The crown court judge will hold a further hearing to decide whether to impose serious crime prevention orders on the men, who are not being pursued under the Proceeds of Crime Act because they have no assets.
The order can include restrictions on communications devices, conducting specific types of business, restrictions on bank accounts, associating with criminal associates, and geographic restrictions.