Drug Gang Busted: Three Jailed After Big Cocaine Haul in Melksham
Connor Flower and Co-Defendants Locked Up
Connor Flower, 29, of no fixed address in Melksham, was sentenced to four years and nine months at Winchester Crown Court last week after pleading guilty to cocaine supply, possession of criminal property, cannabis possession, and money laundering.
His co-accused, Matthew Hiscock, 34, from Melksham, got two and a half years for cocaine supply. Meanwhile, 21-year-old Lilybeth Rumens, also from Melksham, escaped immediate jail but was handed a two-year and two-month suspended sentence for money laundering and allowing premises to be used for drug dealing. She also faces 150 hours of unpaid work.
Operation Fortitude Nabs Drug Dealers
The trio were caught after a police probe into Class A drug supply in Melksham and nearby areas. The investigation kicked off when Flower’s silver van was stopped by officers in Shaw in November 2019. A search revealed a large stash of cocaine.
Follow-up detective work cracked open the gang’s operation, revealing that profits were splashed on luxury Rolex watches, high-end cars, and designer clothes. Rumens, Flower’s then partner, was also implicated through phone and financial records.
Police Urge Public: Snitch to Stop Drug Crime
“The officers from Operation Fortitude know how Class A drugs blight our communities,” said Detective Sergeant Darren Penny. “Drug dealers may seem untouchable, but cases like this prove otherwise.
“We want the public to feel confident about reporting drug crimes. All tips are treated confidentially. Help us keep your community safe by calling 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
If you suspect drug dealing in your area, don’t hesitate. Call 101 or 999 in emergencies, or report anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
