Organised Crime Gang Busted Over Drone Drug Plot and Street Supply
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Four criminals supplying heroin, cocaine, and cannabis in Staffordshire have been slammed with jail sentences. The gang also hatched a bold scheme to smuggle drugs and phones into HMP Garth, Lancashire, using a drone.
Drone Smuggling and Drug Dealing Foiled
Following a major crackdown in May last year, police swooped with coordinated raids, arresting four men and seizing drugs, cash and mobile phones. They pleaded guilty and were sentenced at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court on Monday (2 March).
Hard Time for Staffordshire Gangsters
- Ryan Porter, 28, of Kidsgrove, got six years and four months for conspiring to supply cocaine, MDMA, and cannabis, plus another concurrent eight years.
- Benjamin Stanfield, 25, also from Kidsgrove, was jailed for five years and one month for drug supply and conspiring to smuggle prohibited articles into prison, with six-and-a-half more years concurrent.
- Joshua Stanfield, 22, Kidsgrove, received three years and three months plus two years and three months for drug supply and prison smuggling conspiracy.
- Shea Rafferty, 23, of Norton, Stoke-on-Trent, got three years and four months for heroin, cocaine and cannabis supply, with an additional four years concurrent.
Police Crackdown on Child Exploitation in Drug Supply
“I welcome the sentences handed to the defendants and I hope that they act as a warning to those involved in the sale of illegal drugs,” said Detective Inspector James Sproson.
“During our probe, children involved in drug supply were identified and the exploitation concerns addressed. Child exploitation will not be tolerated in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent. Dedicated teams target anyone exploiting children for crime.”
This crackdown is part of Operation Target, Staffordshire Police’s ongoing fight against organised crime rings involved in county lines drug dealing, illegal firearms, knife crimes, human trafficking and sexual exploitation.
Spot Crime? Here’s How to Report It
If you spot drug dealing or have concerns in your community, call Staffordshire Police on 101 or chat live on their website. For anonymous tips, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
