Bristol drug gang sentenced for cocaine supply
Four people have received sentences totalling more than 20 years
Four people involved in supplying drugs in Bristol have received sentences totalling more than 20 years.
Austen Barnes-Sargeant, Carlie Bridges, Kyle Joyner and Paul O’Shea were all sentenced at Bristol Crown Court on Thursday 28 March.
Avon and Somerset police seized over half a million pounds worth of substances, including cocaine and cannabis, over a six-moth period last year. They also found drug paraphernalia and weapons during searches.
The four criminals pleaded guilty to 16 charges at previous hearings.
Barnes-Sargeant was first arrested in March 2023 for erratic driving in Filton. Officers searched him and found approximately £3000 in cash, cocaine and cannabis. In total, four kilos of cocaine were found between those sentenced, including £70,000 worth inside a wheelie bin.
That discovery was made outside the home of Bridges in Fitzroy Street, in south Bristol.
Detective Chief Inspector Ben Lavender said: “Evidence was found to show their operation was worth hundreds of thousands of pounds as they sought to profit from other people’s misery brought on by drug use.”
“We welcome these prison sentences and will continue to robustly target those involved in drug supply to protect the public and keep our communities safe.”
If you suspect someone in your area is involved in the supply of drugs, the Avon and Somerset police ask you to report it on 101, or via their online reporting system.