Wiltshire Police have slammed the brakes on a large-scale drug and money laundering gang, landing two men hefty jail terms.
Kingpin Caught with £65,000 in Cash
Charlie Savage, 27, once of Standerwick, Frome, led the organised crime group responsible for flooding the country with over 188 kilograms of cocaine. He was locked up for 12 years at Swindon Crown Court on Thursday (26/3) for drug supply and money laundering.
Savage was nabbed in Knightsbridge, London, back in April 2025, carrying a rucksack stuffed with more than £65,000 in cash.
Trusted Lieutenant Gets Nine Years
His right-hand man, Shay Girvan, 22, formerly from Station Road, Warminster, hauled cocaine, cannabis, and cash across the country. He bagged a nine-year sentence for his role in the operation.
Police Crack the Criminal Web
“Savage was operating at a level above what we would expect for someone of his age, however with this youth came a degree of naivety.
“Unfortunately for him and his criminal associates, moving cocaine and cannabis in such significant quantities required detailed record keeping to stay on top of the accounts. This meant we were able to access Savage’s records when he was arrested and as a result of his diligence, have to date arrested over 30 of his customers, couriers, money launderers, and suppliers for their involvement in the operation. The majority have been released on bail whilst the complex nature of the investigation is assessed by the Crown Prosecution Service.”
“Girvan was a trusted lieutenant, heavily involved in the movement of large quantities of cocaine, cannabis and cash, and his jail sentence reflects his position within the group and the role he played.”
Detective Constable Jared Yalden of the Serious and Organised Crime Unit revealed the gang’s downfall came thanks to meticulous police work and insider records.
More Trouble Looms for the Pair
Both men face proceeds of crime orders, risking the seizure of their assets in the months ahead. Savage will also be slapped with a Serious Crime Prevention Order upon release.
Deputy SIO Detective Sergeant Richard Nelsen urged the public to stay vigilant:
“We continue to rely on our communities to identify and alert us to those who live beyond their means and engage in criminality which directly affects those around them.”
The investigation into this criminal empire continues as police chase down more suspects linked to the sprawling drugs ring.
