Gypsy Drug Line Dealers Slammed with Hefty Prison Terms After Appeal
Mario Sala, 33, from Prince Albert Road, and Ewyn Denecker, 33, of Osborne Road, have finally been dealt tougher prison sentences after pleading guilty to conspiracy to supply Class A drugs. They were caught running a notorious Gypsy drug line between Havant and Portsmouth.
Drug Ring Busted After 21-Month Heroin and Crack Supply
Police launched a major crackdown in March 2022, executing multiple warrants that led to the arrests of Sala and Denecker. The pair had been enabling heroin and crack cocaine deals across seven lines for nearly two years. Officers seized numerous phones linked directly to the drug network.
Sentences Doubled After Court of Appeal Steps In
Originally sentenced to four and a half years (Sala) and three years nine months (Denecker) in September, both received much harsher punishments after the Court of Appeal deemed the initial sentences unduly lenient. On 17 November, Sala’s sentence was bumped up to eight years and Denecker’s to six years behind bars.
Police Send Warning to Drug Dealers and Informants
Police Constable Peter Kurton, who led the probe, said: “We welcome the Court of Appeal decision to extend the sentences of Mario Sala and Ewyn Denecker.
“Class A 1 supply is linked to serious violence, exploits vulnerable people, and damages communities. This sentence and appeal send a clear warning: drug supply in our area will not be tolerated.
“We need the public’s confidence to report drug or suspicious activity. Every tip helps us build intelligence and take action.”
If you suspect drug dealing in your area, don’t stay silent. Your information could help police catch and convict dealers, keeping communities safer.
