Mum, son and step-dad operated cannabis “corner shop” in Shirebrook, court hears
A drug dealer who operated a cannabis “corner shop” with his partner and her son has been jailed.
Anthony Adams, 33, was selling cannabis on an “almost daily basis” to Shirebrook residents with partner Lana Brooks, 50, for “at least two years” between March 2020 and November 2022.
Derby Crown Court heard during a raid of their Field Drive home on November 4, 2022, police found nearly two kg of cannabis valued at between £10,000-£17,000.
Officers also uncovered £15,944 along with bags, scales and dealer lists. Much of the dope had been broken up into one-ounce deals and comprised “a variety of different brands and strains”, the court heard.
Lana Brooks and Adams took, said Judge Martin Hurst, a “leading role” in the operation, while Roger Brooks (Lana’s son) gave “occasional assistance” answering phones.
The judge told the couple: “You were both organising buying and selling on a commercial scale – there was direct purchasing from a supplier.” Although the judge noted there was no expectation of “substantial” returns by the couple, he added: “You were both on unemployment benefits and were living a much more comfortable life by selling cannabis on an almost daily basis to the villagers of Shirebrook.”
Adams, 33, had 24 offences on his record, including “identical offending” at the same address in 2018, while Lana Brooks had three previous offences including shoplifting. Roger Brooks had 12 offences including dangerous driving in 2018.
Commenting on the dealing venture, Judge Hurst said: “This was an on-going retail supply and I’m sure the ones who bought from you were happy you were there to supply.
"But I have to bear on mind the other occupants of Shirebrook who do not approve of drug dealing and were probably extremely angry that someone down the street from them was operating a corner shop for cannabis.”
Adams and Lana Brooks, of Field Drive, admitted possessing cannabis with intent to supply, supplying cannabis and concealing criminal property. Roger Brooks, also of Field Drive admitted being concerned in the supply of cannabis.
Adams was jailed for three years and four months, Lana Brooks was handed 24 months of jail suspended for 21 months with 25 rehabilitation activity days and Roger Brooks was ordered to complete 100 hours of unpaid work and 20 rehabilitation activity days.