Gun and Drugs Gang Locked Up After Massive Cocaine Bust
Tracey Cook, 59, from Greenwich, was slapped with five years behind bars for possession of firearms, ammo, and Class A drugs following a tense trial at Croydon Crown Court on 13 November.
Her partner in crime, Kevin Whelan, 45, caught in the act in Medway, got nine years for conspiracy to supply cocaine and possession of criminal property.
Kingpin Tonys Cook Gets 20 Years for Armed Drug Dealing
Tony Cook, 38, also of Greenwich, was handed a whopping 20-year sentence for possession of firearms with intent to endanger life, plus drug supply charges. Earlier, Dean Osmon, 38, from Bexley, copped a nine-year stretch after pleading guilty to intent to supply cocaine.
Police Sting Sees £400k Cocaine Haul Seized
The Metropolitan Police’s Specialist Crime Command zeroed in on the crew after intelligence flagged their cocaine dealings.
- 8 October 2019: Officers watch Whelan swap drugs with Osmon.
- Osmon caught with four 1kg blocks of cocaine worth up to £400,000 hidden in a black holdall.
- Whelan bolts but cops nail him after a foot chase.
- Tony Cook spotted overseeing the dodgy deal nearby.
Minutes later, Tracey Cook was spotted dumping two rucksacks near her house. Police recovered them, uncovering 447 wraps of cocaine worth £22,350, plus a revolver, sawn-off shotgun, loaded 9mm pistol, and heaps of ammo.
All four suspects were arrested on 10 October.
Encrypted Phones and Stashes of Cash Uncovered
The trio of Tony Cook, Osmon, and Whelan had iPhone 6s with Dutch SIMs wiped remotely—pointing to secretive communication. At Whelan’s home, £19,720 was found stashed away. He claimed it came from boat sales and decorating work.
Detective Inspector Nikki Owen, Specialist Crime South, said: “Tony Cook’s possession of three firearms, one loaded, shows the deadly lengths he was willing to go. Luckily, the weapons and drugs were seized before things turned ugly. Tackling violent crime remains top priority for the Met. We urge anyone with information to come forward, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
Judge Slams Tony and Tracey Cook for Their Roles
Judge Gower praised DC Sarah Orange for her stellar investigation work. Sentencing Tony Cook, the judge branded him the gang’s ringleader, organising a commercial-scale drug operation for big money.
“Though the weapon wasn’t used in a crime, he planned for it to be used to endanger lives,” said the judge. “He must live with having ‘landed his mother in prison.’”
Tracey Cook received harsh words too. The judge said the jury believed she knowingly helped hide guns and drugs, risking public safety by moving the rucksacks around.
“She had every chance to see what was inside but chose to help keep illicit items from police,” he said.
