Five Drug Dealers Jailed for Nearly 40 Years in Gosport Bust
Five crooks behind a major drug ring in Gosport have been locked up for a combined total of almost 40 years. The Portsmouth Crown Court handed down hefty sentences on Friday, 6 July, after a police crackdown uncovered Class A drugs worth over £150,000 and £7,000 in cash.
Hard-Hitting Sentences for Gosport Gang
- James Hallett, 29, from Ferrol Road, Gosport – 14 years for heroin and cocaine supply.
- Lee Sheehan, 48, Prospect Terrace, Gunnislake, Cornwall – 10 years for heroin and cocaine supply.
- James Whistler, 26, The Chine, Gosport – 4 years for heroin supply.
- Charlie Jeacock, 23, Grove Road, Rayleigh, Essex – 7 years after guilty plea for heroin and cocaine supply.
- Billy Fitzearle, 35, Southampton Road, Titchfield – 4.5 years after guilty plea for heroin and cocaine supply.
Inside the Multi-Area Drug Operation
The gang operated mainly out of Gosport with links to a house in Cosham. They spread heroin and cocaine across South East Hampshire, using a network of runners and covert exchanges. Detective Constable Mark Brockman revealed how the drugs were moved and sold.
“I welcome these sentences which send a clear message that drug dealing and the associated violence and harm to vulnerable people will not be tolerated.”
One key arrest came when police caught Charlie Jeacock and Lee Sheehan in Portchester. Jeacock was caught with heroin and cocaine worth over £1,100 and cash of £1,170. Warrants executed at the gang’s addresses uncovered:
- A sim card detailing drug dealing from October 2015.
- Benzocaine – a drug cutting agent.
- Heroin with a street value of £100,000 (if cut).
- 163g of 85% pure cocaine worth nearly £40,000 (if cut).
- Smaller drug wraps valued at £15,000-plus.
Police Campaign Tackles Drug Harm
The bust was part of Hampshire Constabulary’s Fortress campaign, aimed at cracking down on drug supply and supporting those on the fringes of the drug trade.
“Through our Fortress campaign, we work with partners to reduce drug-related harm by restricting supply with enforcement, and providing support to those on the periphery of the drugs trade.”
Officers urge locals to stay alert for signs of drug dealing, such as quick visits to a property, suspicious short exchanges, frequent comings and goings, and unfamiliar cars parked outside.
If you spot suspicious activity, contact your Neighbourhood Policing Team on 101, or call Crimestoppers anonymously at 0800 555 111.
Thanks to the hard work of investigators and the community, a dangerous network has been dismantled, making our streets safer.
