Nottinghamshire Crime Gang Busted Over County Lines Drugs and High-Value Car Thefts
A ruthless criminal gang ran three separate mobile ‘drug lines’ to push Class A and B drugs across Nottinghamshire from January 2021 to March 2022. The operation involved cocaine, crack cocaine, heroin, and cannabis, supplied through burner phones and a slick distribution network.
Key Figures Behind the Drug Operation
- Patrick Power, 23, acted as the group’s main handler, managing storage and movement of drugs. Police arrested him in Colwick during a raid linked to stolen luxury vehicles. Officers seized cocaine and cash on 8 October 2021.
- AJ Davidson, 25, ran one drug line day-to-day, preparing deals and handling deliveries of cannabis, cocaine, crack cocaine, and heroin. Police nabbed him after a vehicle stop at East Point Retail Park in August 2021 revealed bags of cannabis and burner phones.
- Jessica Bayley, 23, helped Davidson with drug prep and deliveries in Sneinton.
Brothers Run the Show
Brothers Dane (28) and Dylan Broadley (26) were senior figures. Dane juggled 36 different phone numbers to keep the conspiracy covered. Dylan was caught after a police raid uncovered drug messaging on his phone.
Others Caught in the Web
- Zoe Opie, 28, and Jamie Ross, 27, handled another cannabis supply line from Netherfield. They were arrested in March 2022 and charged with conspiracy to supply drugs.
Sentences Handed Down
- Power locked up for 4 years, also admitting handling stolen goods.
- Davidson jailed for 2½ years.
- Bayley got an 18-month suspended sentence.
- Dane Broadley received 3½ years; Dylan got 3 years.
- Opie sentenced to a 2-year community order.
- Ross handed a 12-month suspended sentence.
High-Value Car Theft Exposed
During the drug probe, police uncovered the gang’s car theft racket using signal jammers to bypass keyless security systems. The gang stole high-value vehicles with ease. Four men pleaded guilty:
- Mark Bentley, 40
- Simon Masey
- Lee Southall, 37
- Simon Bradshaw, 43
Sentences ranged from 15 months to 2½ years, with some released due to time served.
Police Urge Motorists to Fight Back
Nottinghamshire police warn drivers to protect themselves from keyless car theft scams. Tips include:
- Use wheel or steering locks as visible deterrents.
- Keep car keys away from vehicles at home, ideally in signal-blocking Faraday bags.
- Turn off wireless signals on key fobs when not in use.
- Reprogram keys when buying second-hand cars.
“Controlled drugs, and those who supply them, blight our communities and exploit the vulnerable for financial gain,” said EMSOU Detective Inspector Mark Adas. “Thanks to this investigation, we smashed this organised crime group and shut down three drug lines across Nottinghamshire. This is a warning: county lines and vehicle theft won’t be tolerated.”
