Portsmouth-based drugs network sentenced to combined 53 years
A judge said the group supplied "an astonishing amount of drugs"
Six members of an Portsmouth-based Organised Crime Group that was involved in supplying class A and B drugs have been sentenced to a combined 53 years in prison.
A judge determined the group were responsible for the supply of at least 60kg of cocaine, 90kg of amphetamine, 7kg of ketamine, and 7kg of cannabis between April 2019 and June 2021.
Evidence suggests the group processed drugs worth between £1.5 million and £3 million.
An investigation into the group, led by Dean Canavan, was launched in July 2020 by the Eastern Serious and Organised Crime Unit.
The group used EncroChat to communicate, and organise the supply of drugs and exchange of money.
Dean Canavan was arrested in July 2020 after £56,950, believed to be from the sale of drugs, was seized from his property.
It is believed he then kept a greater distance from the group, with his brother, Grant, continuing the operations from a flat he rented on London Road, Portsmouth.
A warrant carried out at the flat on 18 June 2021 found items that could help stimulate drugs, including caffeine and methanol, as well as a fridge that contained nearly 4kg of amphetamine.
Police also executed a warrant at Sparsholt Road, Southampton, where Grant Canavan was arrested and over £20,000 of cash seized.
Five other members, including Dean Canavan on 23 June 2021, would also be arrested.
More than £200,000 in cash, and approximately 15.5kg of drugs, eventually seized by officers.
The group were convicted at Portsmouth Crown Court earlier in 2024, and sentenced at the same court on 16 September.
HHJ Melville said the group were responsible for selling "an astonishing amount of drugs."
The following convictions and sentences were handed down:
- Dean Canavan, 45, of Serpentine Road, Waterlooville, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine, amphetamine, ketamine and cannabis and was sentenced to 14 years in prison.
- Grant Canavan, 38, of Sparsholt Road, Southampton, pleaded guilty to the same charges and was sentenced to 12 years in jail.
- John Oliver, 36, of St Faith's Road, Portsmouth, also pleaded guilty to the same charges, as well as possessing a prohibited weapon, and was handed a 10-year prison sentence.
- Saul Francis, 37, of Copner Road, Portsmouth, was convicted of conspiracy to supply cocaine and ketamine, and participating in the activities of an Organised Crime Group after a four-week trial. He was sentenced to five years in prison.
- Aron Pucci, 34, of Highdown Lane, Sutton, Surrey, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine and was sentenced to 12 years imprisonment.
- Marie Peter, 35, of Sparsholt Road, Southampton, pleaded guilty to participating in the activities of an Organised Crime Group, and was sentenced to two years in prison, suspended for two years and 20 rehabilitation days.
Assistant Chief Constable Paul Bartolomeo, from Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary said disruption the group's activities was a "great success".
"Tackling drug related harm is an absolute priority for Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary, as the supply of drugs is often connected to other offences such as high levels of violence, or even the exploitation and abuse of vulnerable adults and children, which is why we relentlessly pursue those involved.
"These sentences demonstrate very clearly that we will not tolerate the supply of drugs in Hampshire & on the Isle of Wight.
"If you are involved in activity like this, we will find you and bring you to justice."