Berkshire: Gang Jailed For Drug Trafficking

12 October 2013, 09:33 | Updated: 12 October 2013, 09:44

Five men from Berkshire are among nine jailed for a total of 38 years for drug trafficking.

The men - which included a 33 year old formerly from Reading and four men aged between 33 and 48 from Maidenhead were arrested after being stopped in cars Florence Avenue in Maidenhead back on Wednesday 27 February 2013.

Isleworth crown Court heard drugs valued at up to three hundred thousand pounds were found by police following n investigation by the Trident Gang Crime Command Unit.  A large quantity of cash was also seized.

During the intelligence-led investigation, officers identified each defendant as playing a significant role in the trafficking of Class B and C drugs, who formed either the 'purchase' or 'the 'wholesale' team.

One of the gang were found to have six mobile sim card stored in their body - which had been used to run their operation.

Investigating officer Detective Inspector Steve Meechan, from Trident Gang Crime Command, said: "These convictions were part of a complex ongoing operation by Trident officers to target organised criminal networks and their criminal assets. We have a zero tolerance approach to organised criminality, gang crime and drug supply and one of our aims is to confiscate proceeds of such crime. Vehicles, cash and other valuables have, and will continue to be seized, from those involved in drugs-related criminality. The Trident Gang Crime Command will continue to work with our partners, such as the Prison Service, where necessary to disrupt such criminality and aim to convict those who perpetrate it."