Five men and one woman have been sentenced for their involvement in the supply of cocaine, amphetamine, ketamine, and cannabis across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight between April 2019 and June 2021.
The group, part of a Portsmouth-based Organised Crime Group (OCG) led by Dean Canavan, was sentenced on Monday, 16 September 2024, at Portsmouth Crown Court, following convictions earlier this year.
The investigation, led by the Eastern Serious and Organised Crime Unit, began in July 2020, targeting Canavan and his associates after intelligence suggested their involvement in large-scale drug trafficking.
Sentences Delivered:
- Dean Canavan, 45, of Serpentine Road, Waterlooville, was sentenced to 14 years in prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine, amphetamine, ketamine, and cannabis.
- Grant Canavan, 38, of Sparsholt Road, Southampton, received a 12-year sentence for his role in conspiracy to supply the same substances.
- John Oliver, 36, of St. Faith’s Road, Portsmouth, was sentenced to 10 years for conspiracy to supply drugs and possessing a prohibited weapon.
- Saul Francis, 37, of Copner Road, Portsmouth, was convicted after a four-week trial of conspiracy to supply cocaine and ketamine and participating in the activities of an OCG. He received a five-year sentence.
- Aron Pucci, 34, of Highdown Lane, Sutton, Surrey, pled guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine and was sentenced to 12 years.
- Marie Peters, 35, of Sparsholt Road, Southampton, received a two-year suspended sentence and 20 rehabilitation days for participating in the activities of an OCG.
Investigation Highlights:
The OCG was found responsible for the supply of at least 60 kilograms of cocaine, 90 kilograms of amphetamine, 7 kilograms of ketamine, and 7 kilograms of cannabis. During the investigation, evidence emerged that the group had used the now-defunct EncroChat communication system to coordinate their activities, including large-scale drug deals.
The operation led to the seizure of over £209,000 in cash and 15.5 kilograms of drugs. Police estimated the wholesale value of the drugs distributed by the OCG ranged between £1.5 million and £3 million during the two-year period.
Police Statements:
Assistant Chief Constable Paul Bartolomeo praised the efforts of the officers involved in the investigation, stating:
“The disruption of this gang is a great success for the Constabulary and for the officers and staff who worked tirelessly to bring these offenders to justice. Tackling drug-related harm is an absolute priority for Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary, as the supply of drugs is often connected to other offences such as high levels of violence or exploitation of vulnerable adults and children.”
He added, “These sentences demonstrate very clearly that we will not tolerate the supply of drugs in Hampshire & on the Isle of Wight. If you are involved in activity like this, we will find you and bring you to justice.”
Anyone with concerns about drug-related activity in their neighbourhood is encouraged to contact police on 101 or anonymously through Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111.
