Oxford Drug Dealer Convicted
5 December 2014, 15:10 | Updated: 5 December 2014, 15:11
A trial has concluded in Oxford following a Thames Valley Police investigation into a conspiracy to supply drugs in the city.
The 9-day-trial concluded on Friday (28/11) at Oxford Crown Court when Ryan Davies, aged 32, was found guilty of conspiracy to supply controlled drugs (cocaine) between 15 August 2013 and 12 October 2013.
The following men had pleaded guilty to the same offence at an earlier hearing:
Martin Gray, aged 31 of Randolph Avenue, Woodstock
Gavin Preston, aged 37 of Astrop Lane, Oxford
Aaron Preston, aged 34 of Ashurst Way, Oxford
Reece Preston, aged 38, from Ashurst Way, Oxford has pleaded guilty to the connected charge of permitting his premises to be used for supplying a controlled drug.
All men will be sentenced next year.
A further seizure of drugs connected to this investigation of 13 kilos of cocaine and 2 kilos of heroin from within a vehicle on the M40 will also be subject to sentencing next year.
Police arrested Gavin Preston in possession of half a kilo of cocaine and also seized £1,000 in cash from a recycling bin from inside his home. Officers also found drugs in a kitchen cupboard and on the microwave.
At Reece Preston’s home officers seized a large Sainsbury’s plastic carrier bag containing Benzocaine, Lidocaine and Caffeine (known cutting agents used to dilute cocaine). They also seized scales and food processors, all of which were found to have traces of cocaine upon them.
More drug paraphernalia was found at Aaron Preston’s home.
A hydraulic cocaine press and multiple scales containing traces of cocaine were found in a flat in Nuffield Road, Oxford which was rented by Gavin Preston.
A garage in Kersington Crescent, Oxford which was controlled by Davies, was also searched and a further hydraulic cocaine press was found along with multiple kilos of cutting agents used to dilute cocaine along with scales with traces of cocaine on and drugs packaging.
A hydraulic drugs press, scales and other paraphernalia were also found at the home address of Martin Gray along with £5,000 in cash and 5 kilos of heroin.
Det Insp Rachel Wheatman said: “The Thames Valley Police Serious Organised Crime Unit has investigated the group who were concerned with supplying cocaine and heroin in the Oxford area.
“I would like to thank all the police officers and staff involved in bringing this difficult and complex case to this conclusion. These included SOCU and uniformed officers.
“We are pleased that we have been able to disrupt the supply of drugs in the Oxford area and bring these men to justice.”
Supt Christian Bunt, LPA commander for Oxford said: “This is a great result for Oxford and keeps people who seek to supply drugs in the city off our streets.
“I would like to thank the officers and staff for all their work in this case and others, which continues to keep making it difficult for those who wish to carry on this kind of activity.