NINE people have been sentenced to a combined 47 years in prison for class A drug dealing in Nuneaton and Coventry.
All nine were operating the CJ drugs cross-county line, which first identified in 2019.
Taking place over three years, the nine were identified during a joint operation by West Midlands Regional Organised Crime Unit (ROCU) and Warwickshire Police through two national lockdowns.
Enough evidence was gathered to arrest the group in November 2020. They were charged, and all nine defendants pleaded guilty at Warwick Crown Court.
Sentenced on May 2, they received a combined total of 47 years behind bars.
Jordan Jennings of Gilfil Road, Nuneaton was sentenced on two charges of conspiring to supply Class A drugs, namely crack cocaine and heroin. He was sentenced to 13 years in prison.
Aaron Davies, 25, of Biscay Drive, Portishead was sentenced on two charges of conspiring to supply class A drugs, namely crack cocaine and heroin, as well as failure to surrender to the court having been released on bail.
He received 10 years and three months in prison.
Rory James, 29 of Gilfil Road in Nuneaton was sentenced to eight years in prison for two charges of conspiring to supply crack and heroin.
Connor Jennings, 26, of Camden Street in Coventry was sentenced to three charges of conspiring to supply drugs (heroin, crack, and cannabis). He received six years and three months in prison.
Simon Jones, 34, of Wood Lane in Old Arley was sentenced on two charges of conspiring to supply crack and heroin and one charge of failure to appear at court after bail, receiving three years and three months in prison.
Eimear Judge, 22, of Woodway Close in Coventry was sentenced for participating in the criminal activities of an organised crime group, for which she received a sentenced of 12 months, suspended for 18 months.
Judge is also required to participate in 15 days’ worth of rehabilitation activities and has an unpaid work requirement of 100 hours within the next 12 months.
Simon Lynch, 58, of Woburn Drive in Nuneaton was sentenced on two charges of supplying class A drugs (heroin and crack), receiving a sentence of two years suspended for 18 months.
He is required to participate in 25 days’ worth of rehabilitation activities and 175 hours of unpaid work over the next twelve months.
Steven Sherlock, 41, of Camden Street in Coventry, was sentenced to one charge of being concerned in the supply of cannabis, for which he received a one-year sentence, suspended for one year. He is also required to carry out 130 hours of unpaid work over the next year.
Amy Steele, 38, of Church Road in Nuneaton, was sentenced on two charges of conspiring to supply class A drugs (heroin and crack) resulting in a two-year sentence, suspended for two years.
She is required to carry out 30 days of rehabilitation activities, treatment for drug dependency, and 150 hours of unpaid work over the next year.
DCI Richard Brown of Warwickshire Police’s Serious Organised and Acquisitive Crime team said: “There’s nothing better than a plan coming together. This operation has had a real positive effect on the safety of residents in Nuneaton and Coventry.
“Cocaine and heroin leave a bloody trail round the world, from their production to their supply. We’re pleased with the sentences given by the Court, as they give a clear message to those who look to profit from the supply of controlled drugs.”
