Drug dealing gang sentenced to more than 50 years

The operation covered Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire and involved officers from all three forces and the National Crime Agency.

The criminal network involved the supply of cocaine from Nottingham to Chesterfield and has been inexistence since 2014.

In November and December 2015, 18 addresses were searched across the three counties and 25 arrests were made.

Richard Walker, 39, of Bond Lane, Heage, Derbyshire, was the ringleader of the network and was sentenced to 12 years at Derby Crown Court on Friday, April 20.

Detective Inspector John Roddis said: “The sentences that were issued at court on Friday reflect the scale of the conspiracy. This cross border operation has successfully dismantled an established organised crime group that was supplying large amounts of Class A drugs for large financial gain.

“As a police force we are determined to continue our fight against organised crime groups who supply drugs and have a subsequent corrosive impact on our communities.”

Other members of the gang that were sentenced on Friday included:

- Darren Sweeney, 40, of Little Barn Court, Mansfield, was sentenced to eight and a half years

- Nicky Hughes, 39, of Wellgate Avenue, Birstall, received a nine year sentence

- Ashley Bramante, 33, of Parkhouse Road, Lower Pilsley, was sentenced to 12 years

- Lewis Mosley, 30, of Enfield Road, Newbold, received six years and eight months in jail

- Glen Jarvis, 32, of Lincoln Way, North Wingfield, was sentenced to six years

- Ruth Baker, 43, of Old Hall Road, Chesterfield, is due to be sentenced on May 4.