Fighting drug barons in South Yorkshire

[8 July 2008]

UK Charity, Crimestoppers, is launching a campaign to encourage people in South Yorkshire to call the 0800 555 111 telephone number anonymously with information to help solve and prevent drug dealing in the region.

The recent sentencing of ten people, who were convicted for a total of 60 years for their involvement in supplying and distributing large quantities of drugs across the North of England, highlights the magnitude of the drugs network in operation. The two main organisers of the network were based in the Sheffield area, and the network may continue to operate in some form. There could be individuals linked to this gang who evaded capture, or other groups committing similar crimes.

During the investigation led by the Serious Organised Crime Agency (SOCA) and supported by South Yorkshire Police and other forces, drugs worth over £3 million were seized, including cocaine, amphetamines and cannabis. The millions of pounds the group made from dealing these drugs meant that some of these men were able to lead lavish lifestyles whilst they brought this dangerous criminality to South Yorkshire. Drug dealing to this extent can have a significant impact on communities by creating more drug addicts and further fuel additional crimes, which can bring associated dangers to communities.

Crimestoppers' Director of Operations, Dave Cording, said: “It's vital that people in these communities are aware of the criminal activity that has and could continue, to happen. If anyone has suspicions or knows of drug dealers and where this is taking place, please call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. By remaining anonymous, callers can pass on information without fear of any reprisals or repercussions. Callers are not asked for any personal details and will not be called as a witness. By receiving relevant information the public can help play an important part in helping the police take criminals out of their communities.”

The campaign will include a door drop leaflet, billboard posters and bus advertising.

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For further information contact Lisa Gains, Media Officer, on 020 8254 3226 or lisa.gains@crimestoppers-uk.org .

Notes to editors

The ten people sentenced in Sheffield Crown Court in May this year, for their involvement in major drug dealing:

John Francis Newell, Sheffield - sentenced to 17 years

David Lawrence BUNN, Sheffield - sentenced to 15 and a half years

Karen BALL, Rotherham - sentenced to 4 years 3 months

Paul Leslie WILLIAMS, Rotherham - sentenced to 4 years

Stephen James NEWELL, Sheffield - sentenced to 4 years

Gary JOHNSON, Lincolnshire - sentenced to 4 years

Martin Leslie SIMON, Liverpool - sentenced to 3 years 9 months

Ian Christopher BLAVER, Barnsley - sentenced to 3 and a half years

Dean SMITH, Lincoln - sentenced to 3 and a half years

Mark Peter BURBIDGE, Chesterfield - sentenced to 15 months

Crimestoppers is an independent charity dedicated to solving crimes and taking criminals off the streets. Around 17 people are arrested and charged every day as a result of information given to Crimestoppers. One person every 5 days is charged with murder, as a result of information given to Crimestoppers. Since Crimestoppers began in 1988, it has received almost 990,000 calls with useful information, resulting in over 85,000 arrests and charges. Over £100 million worth of property has been recovered and over £149 million worth of drugs.

Crimestoppers UK was founded by Lord Ashcroft KCMG, Chairman of Trustees. In 1988 he launched Crimestoppers in the Metropolitan Police area. Crimestoppers is built on a three-way partnership between the business community, the police and the media.

Charity number: 1108687