A major drug trafficking network operating out of Coventry has been dismantled, with six men jailed for a combined total of more than 60 years, following a large-scale investigation by the West Midlands Regional Organised Crime Unit (ROCU).
The sophisticated operation, led by Jonathan Mann, trafficked over 100 kilogrammes of Class A drugs, primarily cocaine, to cities including Crewe and Bristol between April and November 2022.
The sentencing, delivered at Birmingham Crown Court, marks a major milestone for Operation Target, a West Midlands Police initiative tackling organised and violent crime.
The Scale of the Drug Network
West Midlands Police confirmed the gang made 163 trafficking journeys in 280 days, often returning to Coventry with cash or drugs. Police uncovered the operation after noticing lavish lifestyles, including luxury vehicles and designer items, that did not match members’ declared incomes.
Seized during the investigation:
- 21kg of cocaine
- 4.9kg of ketamine
- 17g of MDMA
- Over £450,000 in cash
- A converted handgun, recovered at Luke Purcell’s home
Roles and Sentences
Each gang member had a defined role in the distribution and laundering process:
- Jonathan Mann (31): Operation ringleader, sentenced to 13 years, 4 months
- Thomas Johnson (35): Purchased 5kg of cocaine for separate supply chain, sentenced to 16 years
- Luke Purcell (30): Courier and firearms charge, sentenced to 13 years, 2 months
- Alexander Purcell (32): Courier, sentenced to 9 years
- Ryan Prescott (29): Main courier, sentenced to 8 years
- Ian Lewis (28): Laundered drug money and arranged high-end purchases, sentenced to 3 years
Encrypted Messages Exposed
The gang’s downfall was partly due to their use of coded communications, referring to each other using names such as “Cookies” (Prescott) and “Greyman” (Mann). Intercepted messages revealed courier payments, supply orders, and trafficking routes — forming key evidence in the trial.
Operation Target and Broader Impact
Operation Target has seized millions in drugs and cash since its launch, with this case reinforcing its mission to disrupt County Lines and organised crime.
A spokesperson for the National Crime Agency said:
“Disrupting the flow of high-volume Class A drugs is vital to tackling drug-related violence and safeguarding communities. This outcome sends a clear message.”
