Prison for drug ring group

Published 30 Jul 2010 08:00

A WOKINGHAM man and two Binfield people have been sent to prison for their parts in a £60m drug ring.

Christopher Wills, 29, from Sparrow Close, Wokingham, was found guilty of conspiracy to supply skunk cannabis after a six-week trial and has now been sentenced to seven-and-a-half years' imprisonment.

Seven other people were sentenced, including Emma Stevens, 39, from Terrace Road, Binfield, and Paul Atkin, 30, from Kent and Binfield, who pleaded guilty.

Both were sentenced to three and a half years' imprisonment each.

Chief Inspector Owen Gillard, who led the investigation, said after the sentencing at Bristol Crown Court on Friday that it was one of the largest drug distribution networks in the UK. He said: "Their sentences should send a clear message to people that if you are criminally involved in a group similar to this one we will catch up with you and we will take all necessary action to ensure you are held to account for your actions."

Chief Inspector Gillard said that police are now working to recover the gang's profits.

The drug distribution network was discovered after police found large amounts of cannabis skunk in vans being driven across the country, then raided isolated farms and industrial units in Wanborough, Swindon and Whittonditch, Ramsbury, near Hungerford, where they found drug-dealing equipment and ledgers indicating the importation of £60m of cannabis in a 14-week period.

In addition to Wills, David Barnes, 41, from Hungerford, was found guilty at trial and given 12 years, while fellow defendant Michael Woodage, 51, from Whitchurch, Hampshire, was convicted and given eight years.

Guilty pleas were entered by Nigel Hyland, 50, from Laburnum Road, Swindon, who got four and a half years; Franciscus Kattekamp, 38, from Kaatsheuvel, Holland, who got three years and Alexander Post, 34, from Belvedere, who was sentenced to three-and-a-half years.

Another man, Stephen Docking, 45, from Kent, was found not guilty of conspiracy to supply class B drugs.

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This article appeared in Villager 29 Jul 10

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