Drug Dealers Behind Bars: Loaded Gun and Cocaine Haul Seized in Norfolk Sting
Kelly Bond, 53, and Darren James, 48, have been slapped with hefty prison sentences after a major drug and firearms bust in Norfolk. Bond, formerly of Lopham Road in Kenninghall, got 16 years. James, once from norwich/" title="Norwich" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked">Norwich Street in Dereham, was handed 22 years.
Early Morning Arrest Uncovers Loaded Handgun and Cocaine
The pair were nabbed in Dereham in the early hours of May 12, 2020. Police pulled over their vehicle and found cocaine, a loaded handgun, and ammunition inside. Subsequent raids on a nearby address seized two more bags of cocaine.
National Drug Network Busted
Further investigations revealed Bond and James had been travelling nationwide, masterminding the purchase, supply, and distribution of large quantities of Class A and B drugs. Both were charged with firearms offences and possession with intent to supply.
The duo was convicted at 1 Crown Court on February 28, 2022, and finally sentenced at Norwich Crown Court on March 3, 2022.
Serious Crime Unit Praises Sentences
“We are pleased with the significant sentences handed to Mr Bond and Mr James, who used encrypted devices to arrange the wholesale purchase and distribution of significant quantities of controlled drugs. Both were stopped in a vehicle which contained a loaded firearm,” said DS Eddie Hammond from the Norfolk and Suffolk Serious and Organised Crime Unit.
“Darren James and Kelly Bond have previous convictions for firearms offences and refused to answer any questions whilst in police custody. Only they know their true intentions with that firearm. These sentences reflect the seriousness of their offending. Our team’s tenacity showcases our commitment to bringing organised criminals to justice and making Norfolk and Suffolk safer.”
