Major Bristol Drug Gang Busted: £3 Million Cocaine Ring Crushed
Four crooks have been handed tough sentences at Bristol Crown Court for their role in a massive cocaine conspiracy. The gang supplied at least £3 million worth of cocaine from London and the East Midlands right into the South West.
Big Names, Long Sentences
- Robert Dent, 43, from Knowle West, got 12 years.
- James Hele, 38, from Bedminster, nabbed 11 years.
- Kate Dent, 42, and Michelle Bray, 37, received suspended sentences.
Dent and Hele pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply 46kg of cocaine worth £1.65 million. The Dents were also busted for hiding £46,000 in cash and using crime money on home renovations. Dent even admitted to owning an illegal stun gun. Meanwhile, Kate Dent and Michelle Bray, Hele’s partner, copped to helping move drugs and cash.
Swift Justice After EncroChat Takedown
This bust is part of a bigger UK-wide sweep following the 2020 collapse of EncroChat – the encrypted messaging service favoured by organised criminals. Evidence from EncroChat chats helped nail the gang.
One hard hitter, Romaine Hyman, was already sentenced to 26 years after being found guilty of 18 crimes including drugs, money laundering, and firearms offences. He bragged about his silenced gun on EncroChat.
How the Operation Worked
The gang received cocaine in 1kg blocks at Willinton Close, where they chopped it into smaller amounts for sale. Cocaine traces were found on Dent’s kitchen scales and blender. Investigators also seized three containers filled with a common cocaine cutting agent.
Senior Investigator DCI Charlotte Tucker said: “This sends a clear message we’re dismantling organised crime networks profiting from class A drugs across the South West, extending into Wales.” Tucker also urged anyone who knows the whereabouts of Christopher Barbosa, an associate of Dent, to come forward.
Robert Earl from the Crown Prosecution Service added: “Drugs devastate lives and communities. This successful prosecution shows the power of long-term collaboration between the CPS and SWROCU to bring organised criminals to justice.”
