Two crack cocaine dealers sentenced after being identified through texts
The two men were sentenced following an investigation into organised crime.
Dominic Allsopp and Thomas Green-Wardale were both sentenced on Tuesday 23 May following an investigation into organised crime operating in Bedworth.
Both were identified as being involved in the production and supply of crack cocaine in the area through their use of bulk text messages received by a third member of the group, Lesedi Bopape - who was also charged with drug offences.
Bulk texts were frequently being sent from a phone with a sim connected to 20-year-old Green-Wardale indicating the availability of new stock, with it being described as "fire yay."
Previous investigations had shown that the group were using the home addresses of vulnerable drug users in Bedworth to prepare the crack cocaine.
Allsopp, 22, was found to have been in regular contact with Green-Wardale on a series of burner phones, in which he identified himself as “Dom”.
Both Allsopp and Green-Wardale were arrested on 2 March at their respective addresses.
Allsopp, of Dorset Road, Coventry has been jailed for 28 months after pleading guilty to being concerned in the supply of cocaine, and Green-Wardale, 21, of Coventry Road, Bedworth has received a suspended 18-month sentence after pleading guilty for being concerned in the supply of cocaine.
Allsopp’s property was searched, with the police finding a small bag of white powder which tested positive for cocaine; cannabis; over £250 in cash; and a small, green-handled axe.
Various blades were also found at Green-Wardle’s residence, including a lock knife, an axe, and a Kirpan – a long knife traditionally carried by members of the Sikh faith. He does not identify as a Sikh.
Detective Constable Dan Lydster said “These convictions are one more positive step in our ongoing efforts to drive organised drug dealing operations out of Bedworth.
“These individuals have a substantial impact on their community – both through the supplier of harmful and highly addictive substances, and their involvement in the exploitation of vulnerable persons for their own profit.”
This sentencing comes as the force launches Operation Target, a campaign to tackle serious and organised crime across the West Midlands region. It sees Warwickshire Police working closely with other local police forces and the Regional Organised Crime Unit (ROCU).
Detective Superintendent Sutherland Lane, head of specialist and proactive operations, said: “Serious and organised crime is a very real threat to communities in Warwickshire. These gangs work across borders and show no regard for the damage and harm they cause.
“Warwickshire Police now has more officers than ever before and tackling serious and organised crime is one of the top priorities for the force. With increased numbers of officers, I fully expect significant success in bringing offenders to justice and disrupting their activity.”