Three jailed after re-establishing drug network in Canvey Island
They help re-establish the previously dismantled network that dealt cocaine and cannabis
Three men have been jailed after re-establishing a drug network on Canvey Island.
Essex Police say they first became aware of the network being used again in October 2023, with cocaine and cannabis mostly dealt.
The force identified Aaron Mzioued was now controlling the line, with support from Scott Kennedy.
Phone messages showed Kennedy arranging the transfer of cash from drug sales, and arranging large cocaine purchases, whilst Mzioued was contacted by police asking for drugs.
Michael Searles, Mark Chittock and Adam Mayo were all involved as runners for the network.
The group were arrested when warrants were executed on 20 December, and were sentenced at Basildon Crown Court on Wednesday.
Mzioued, 38, of Cherry Close, Canvey Island, was convicted of being concerned with the supply of class A drugs and possession with intent to supply class A drugs.
He was sentenced to three years in prison.
Chittock, 35, was handed a two year prison sentence after being convicted of the same offences.
Kennedy, 36, of Brindles, Canvey Island, also received a three year jail sentence for being concerned with the supply of class A and B drugs, and money laundering offences.
Searles, 48 of Keer Avenue, and Mayo, 52, of Mornington Road, both Canvey Island, were convicted of possessing a class A drug.
They were handed an 18-month sentence, suspended for two years.
Sergeant Adam Jarvis, from the Operation Falcon team, said:
"These men used violence and the threat of violence to establish themselves it the market.
"Their activities will have caused misery for our community and poisoned it with the drugs they were selling.
"I’m glad our work means they’ve now been brought to justice."