Shirebrook drugs gang jailed for 45 years

Members of a Shirebrook drugs gang who dealt hundreds of thousands of pounds worth of class A drugs in the Derbyshire town have been jailed for a combined total of 45 years.

Thomas Carlisle, who headed up the gang, co-ordinated their activity which saw them handle and distribute huge quantities of cocaine between May 2018 and July 2020.

Officers executed a series of warrants in the town in July 2020 as part of Operation Nelly, a dedicated investigation into the supply of illegal substances.

Cocaine and thousands of pounds worth of cash were found at properties associated with the group and arrests and charges subsequently followed.

The 30-year-old gang leader of Church Drive, Shirebrook who had enjoyed a lavish lifestyle thanks to the proceeds of their activity, appeared at Derby Crown Court for sentencing today (25 August).

He was handed a jail term of 11 years and three months’ imprisonment after admitting conspiracy to supply cocaine, supply of cannabis, money laundering and possession of criminal property.

The remaining members were sentenced as follows, some at earlier hearings, for conspiracy to supply cocaine and other offences as indicated:

• Justin Woodham, 37, of Blackmires Way, Sutton-in-Ashfield – 10 years
• Adam Betts, 33, of Sherwood Drive, Shirebrook – eight years
• Melissa Mikosz, 32, of Church Drive, Shirebrook – seven years and three months with additional offence of money laundering
• Adrian Mohammed, 34, of Queensway, Pilsley – four and a half years
• Georgia Vincent, 23, of The Woodlands, Langwith – four years with additional offence of concealing and converting £25,000 worth of criminal property.

Detective Constable Holloway, officer in the case for Operation Nelly, said:

“The damage that drugs and drug-related crimes cause should not be underestimated; it does not stop with the substance user but extends well beyond to their families and local communities.

“I hope that these sentences show that there are very real consequences for those who choose to deal drugs in Derbyshire and that we will do everything in our power to disrupt your activity.

“We will arrest you, charge you, and put you before the court to answer for the harm you do.”

If you have information about drug dealing in your area, then you can contact the force using any of the below methods:

• Facebook – send us a private message to our Facebook page
• Twitter – direct message our contact centre via @DerPolContact
• Website – We have several crime reporting tools on our website or use our online contact form
• Phone – call us on 101.

 

You can also anonymously contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111, or by visiting the Crimestoppers website.