Brothers jailed for drug dealing
Reporter: Richard Hooton
Date published: 12 May 2010
TWO brothers have been jailed for more than seven years between them after being caught in a drugs raid.
Kevin Davies (29), of Lilac Lane, Limeside, was sentenced to four years after pleading guilty to eight counts of supplying Class A drugs.
Andrew Davies (25), of Higher Lime Road, Limeside, was imprisoned for three years and three months after admitting three counts of supplying class A drugs.
Manchester’s Minshull Street Crown Court heard that the conviction was a result of Operation Font — a covert drugs investigation across Oldham.
Dawn raids last December saw 100 police officers smash their way into 12 houses to make 14 arrests.
Ten people were subsequently charged with more than 50 offences, while one person was cautioned for possessing a Class B drug and three others were bailed.
Police recovered a large quantity of amphetamines, crack cocaine, cannabis and heroin, along with £2,300 cash, and seized seven vehicles.
Officers said the action would have a knock-on effect in reducing crimes such as robbery and burglary and threatened further raids.
The court was told that between May and September, 2009, the brothers would receive phone calls from drug users.
They worked a shift system and whoever was “on duty” when the phone call was received would drive across Oldham to supply the caller with drugs.
Det Con Robert Carroll said: “Drug dealers cause misery on a number of levels — to those using drugs, to the community that has to put up with the anti-social behaviour and intimidation that goes with it and those who suffer the burglaries and robberies that fund addictions.
“I hope the sentences send a clear message not only to other offenders, but to the local community too, that we will continue to work hard to reduce drug dealing and the massively detrimental affect it has on people.
“I want drug dealers to understand that we use a vast array of tactics to bring them to justice and, next time they hand over drugs for cash they could be under surveillance from the police.
“It can take time to gather enough evidence to convict offenders, but if we receive a complaint from a member of the public, they can rest assured that we do everything we can to get these criminals locked up.”
Anyone concerned about drug dealing should call GMP on 0161 872 5050 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
