Four men and woman jailed over drug conspiracy

Five people from Tamworth have been sentenced to more than 15 years combined after we exposed a conspiracy to import and export cocaine, ketamine and cannabis.

They were arrested in October last year when our major and organised crime proactive team carried out a series of dawn raids on properties in Tamworth.

The action followed a fast-paced investigation, which exposed a sophisticated criminal conspiracy where illicit drugs were exported and imported internationally at volume.

Officers and staff from across the force worked alongside the team to secure evidence to bring those involved to justice.

All five were sentenced at Stafford Crown Court on Friday (29 May).

Neil Moore, aged 49, from Wilnecote, was jailed for two-years-and-nine-months after pleading guilty to being concerned in the supply of cocaine and ketamine.

Neil Moore

Jameel Hassan, aged 38, from Wilnecote, was locked up for four-years-and-two-months after pleading guilty to conspiring to fraudulently evade a prohibition on the importation of a class B drug ketamine and two counts of being concerned in the supply of class B drugs cannabis and ketamine.

Jameel Hassan

Liam Honnor, aged 35, from Bolehall, was sentenced to two-years-and-nine-months after admitting two counts of conspiring to fraudulently evade a prohibition on the importation of class B drugs ketamine and cannabis and possessing criminal property.

Liam Honnor

Dean Whitehurst, aged 32, from Hockley, was jailed for five-years-and-seven-months after pleading guilty to two counts of conspiring to fraudulently evade a prohibition on the importation of class B drugs ketamine and cannabis, being concerned in the supply of a class B drug cannabis, possession of a controlled drug of class B cannabis and being concerned in the supply of a class B drug ketamine.

Dean Whitehurst

Sian Ansell, aged 35, from Bolehall, was given a six-month sentence (suspended for 18 months), a 15-day rehabilitation order and told to carry out 100 hours unpaid work after pleading guilty to conspiring to fraudulently evade a prohibition on the importation of a class B drug cannabis and possession of criminal property.

Sian Ansell

Superintendent Victoria Downing, of our major and organised crime unit, said: “All five pleaded guilty in court when faced with the evidence against him, which is testament to the hard work of officers and staff involved in this investigation.

“Together, we’re working hard to bring a stop to drug networks that aim to profit from addiction and vulnerability in our local communities.”

As part of Operation Target, we remain committed to working proactively across Staffordshire to tackle the criminal gangs responsible for drug dealing and high-harm offences in our county.

We’re working hard every single day to act against those suspected of high-harm offences, including drug supply, firearm possession and gang activity.

Anyone worried about drug dealing in their area is asked to get in touch by calling 101 or using Live Chat on our website.

To report anonymously, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.