A SECOND drugs gang has been taken off the streets of Malvern and sentenced to a total of 21 years in prison.
Following a detailed investigation by West Mercia Police as part of Operation Toledo, the gang was arrested following arrests made in Malvern and Birmingham in December 2015.
At the time significant quantities of Class A drugs, including heroin and crack cocaine, were seized.
Four men pleaded guilty to conspiring to supply Class A drugs and were sentenced yesterday (Thursday) at Birmingham Crown Court.
Shane Antony Jonas, 20 from Beaconview Road, West Bromwich, was sentenced to five years and seven months.
Kiyan Jones,19 from Shenstone Road, Edgbaston, was sentenced to six years and nine months.
Elliot Richard Whittock, 21 currently of HM Prison Dovegate, was sentenced to five years and three months.
Neil James Bozward, 45 from Duke of Edinburgh Way, Malvern, was sentenced to three years and five months.
This sentence was encompassed in a total sentence of 23 years for other offences in relation to inciting child prostitution and aiding and abetting rape.
Operation Toledo is a West Mercia Police investigation into an organised crime group responsible for supplying Class A drugs from the West Midlands into Malvern.
These convictions follow the sentencing last month of four men and two boys to 18 years in prison for conspiracy to supply drugs in the Malvern area, using a separate supply route into Malvern.
Detective Chief Inspector Carl Moore said: “We are pleased with this result which is the culmination of many months of investigation, working with colleagues across our region to tackle the problem of serious organised crime.
“Despite the offenders pleading guilty at a late stage, they were sentenced to significant terms of imprisonment for their cynical crimes.
“The main players Kiyan Jones and Shane Jonas who controlled the network were not themselves, addicted and cared nothing for the misery of the users and the victims of those users’ crimes.
“West Mercia detectives and colleagues from neighbouring police forces worked together on this investigation as part of a national approach to tackling ‘County Lines’ crime whereby gangs travel from a large urban area to smaller locations to sell drugs.
“Thanks to the diligence of officers and other investigating staff as well as the support and cooperation of the local community, we have been able to reduce the availability of drugs in Malvern.
“I hope that this successful prosecution will encourage others who may have information regarding organised crime to come forward.”
Anyone who has information about a crime can call West Mercia Police on 101.
Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org.
