Family Crime Gang Busted with Guns, Cocaine and Cash
Tracey Cook, 59, from Greenwich, has been slammed with five years behind bars for hoarding guns, ammo, and Class A drugs. Found guilty at Croydon Crown Court on 13 November, she faced three counts of firearm possession plus cocaine charges.
Her co-defendant, Kevin Whelan, 45, from Medway, was convicted of conspiracy to supply cocaine and possessing criminal property. Meanwhile, Tony Cook, 38, Tracey’s son, copped a 20-year sentence after pleading guilty to possession of firearms with intent to endanger life and drug conspiracy. Dean Osmon, 38, from Bexley, also pleaded guilty and scored nine years for cocaine supply.
Drugs and Guns Seized in Park Rucksack Swap
- On 8 October 2019, police caught Whelan and Osmon mid-exchange of four 1kg cocaine blocks worth up to £400,000.
- Osmon was nabbed with the stash after slipping from Whelan’s car.
- Whelan bolted but was caught after a foot chase by Met’s Spider Unit.
- Tony Cook was spotted supervising the deal nearby.
- Minutes after the bust, Tracey Cook was seen dumping two rucksacks in a park close to her home.
- One bag contained 447 wraps of cocaine valued at £22,350.
- The other hid a revolver, sawn-off shotgun, loaded 9mm pistol, and lots of ammo.
All four were arrested. Tony and Tracey Cook were caught red-handed with the firearms.
Encrypted Phones, Big Cash, and a Lengthy Investigation
Police found iPhone 6s with Dutch SIM cards and encrypted messaging apps on Tony, Dean, and Kevin. Cleverly, all phones were wiped remotely at the same time.
Officers also found nearly £20,000 in cash in Whelan’s loft. He claimed it came from boat sales and decoration work.
Met Detective Sounds Off on Drugs and Violence
Detective Inspector Nikki Owen said: “This case screams the brutal link between drugs and violence. Tony Cook’s three guns, including one loaded, show how far he was prepared to go.
“Thankfully police grabbed those rucksacks before things got uglier. Taking drugs and guns off our streets saves lives. We’ll keep hunting offenders and protecting the public.”
The trial judge praised Detective Constable Sarah Orange for her top-notch investigation and courtroom work.
Judge Slams Cook Family’s Criminal Role
Sentencing Tony Cook, His Honour Judge Gower said: “You took a leading role, running drug deals with the aim of big profits. You kept a loaded gun ready for violence if needed, even if never used.”
“You must serve your sentence knowing you ‘landed your mother in prison’.”
On Tracey Cook, the judge added: “The jury rightly concluded you knew what was in those bags. You could have checked before dumping them but didn’t. You helped hide illicit contents and hinder the police.”
