Cheltenham man jailed for part in major drugs conspiracy
Three men were sentenced to 32 years in total.
A man from Cheltenham's been sentenced for his part in a major drugs conspiracy.
44 year-old Tobias Slender, formerly of Dale Walk in Cheltenham, was sentenced to five years after pleading guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine.
Three men were sentenced to 32 years in total.
It follows an investigation by the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit into a crime network that saw drugs and cash moved between London and the West Country.
DCI Charlotte Tucker from the SW ROCU said: “This investigation has dismantled an organised crime network that was making millions of pounds bringing class A drugs into and out of the South West.
“To-date, seven people have been sentenced for their roles, with the central figure, Romaine Hyman, currently serving 26 years. He had clear ambitions to grow his empire and the messages he exchanged with Selassie – who was just 17 at the time – showed Hyman’s clear intention to distance himself from the day to day risky activity, training Selassie up to do that work for him.
“The quantities of drugs and cash involved, together with the weapons seized, show the risks this group posed to our communities – and the sentences handed down clearly reflect that.
“It’s been a huge investigation for our teams, working closely with the CPS, and it’s not over yet. There are more people awaiting sentencing and trials for their roles in this criminal enterprise.”
Ruona Iguyovwe, CPS senior specialist prosecutor, said: ““These three men played significant roles in a highly sophisticated criminal gang supplying Class A drugs to the South West.
“The quantity of drugs and nature of the weapons, if not seized, would have had a drastic impact on communities in the area.
“Following early collaboration with the police, the CPS was able to build a strong case resulting in their conviction, disrupting a major organised crime network and dismantling their dangerous operation.”