[A] JUDGE has heard how seven men were involved in a £300,000 criminal plot to supply cocaine across Carlisle.
Police smashed an illegal enterprise spanning seven months after mounting covert surveillance which included the gathering of audio recordings and photographic evidence.
In November last year, the search of a property on Derwent Street in the city led to a 1kg “brick” of the class A drug being seized, along with related paraphernalia. Bulking agents were also found which could have produced 5kg worth of 1g cocaine street deals – potentially worth up to £300,000 – for onward supply to users.
Seven men, all from the Carlisle area whose ages range from 21 to 70, have admitted conspiring to supply cocaine between May and November last year.
They are group leader Scott Sutherland, 25, of Shawk Crescent, Thursby; Matthew Scott, 24, of Lingyclose Road, Dalston; Matthew Payne, 44, of Stanhope Road, Alan Hudson Williams, 70, of Derwent Street; Adam Ritson, 28, of Ruthella Street; Jason Hill, 21, of Hawick Street; and Daniel Shield, 26, of Yewdale Road, all Carlisle.
The prosecution case was outlined, and mitigation given on behalf of each man, at Carlisle Crown Court earlier today (THURS).
The judge, Mr Recorder John Bromley-Davenport QC, adjourned the hearing, and is due to sentence the men tomorrow.
