Two Men Jailed for Major Cocaine Supply Ring
Two men have been slammed with hefty jail sentences for their roles in a massive cocaine supply conspiracy uncovered by the South East Regional Organised Crime Unit (SEROCU).
Ryan Playford Gets 15 Years Behind Bars
Ryan Playford, 48, from Warsash, was locked up for 15 years at Portsmouth Crown Court. He had earlier pleaded guilty to multiple offences including:
- Conspiring to supply Class A drug – cocaine
- Conspiring to supply Class B drug – cannabis
- Encouraging or assisting firearms offences
- Possession and dealing of prohibited weapons
- Fraud by false representation
Playford received 9 years and 9 months for cocaine conspiracy, 6 years for cannabis conspiracy, and 1 year for fraud – all running concurrently. On top of that, he got 5 years and 3 months consecutive for firearms offences.
Runner Martyn McGhee Also Jailed
Martyn McGhee, 54, from southampton/" title="Southampton" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked">Southampton, was handed 4-and-a-half years after pleading guilty to conspiring with Playford to supply cocaine. The court heard McGhee acted as Playford’s courier, involved in a large cocaine deal in Leeds in May 2020.
Encrypted Chats Sparked Investigation
The pair’s encrypted messages, exposed in the takedown of EncroChat during Operation Venetic, revealed their vast drug empire. Playford discussed laundering drug money by buying property in the Netherlands. He even planned to report his faulty Mercedes stolen – which it was, days later.
“The actions of Playford and McGhee … have caused immeasurable suffering,” said Detective Inspector Clair Trueman from SEROCU. “Their role in drug supply has harmed communities across the south east and beyond. Playford’s firearms offences highlight the deadly risk posed by weapons on our streets. We’ll keep fighting organised crime to protect the public.”
