Seven jailed after investigation into Basildon drug network
The seven criminals have been sentenced to nearly 60 years in jail
Last updated 8th Apr 2024
Seven criminals have been sentenced to nearly 60 years in jail following an extensive investigation by Essex Police, which cracked down on an encrypted drug supply network.
The conclusion of this investigation marked the culmination of a thorough two and a half-year effort.
The investigation was initiated in 2020 by the Serious and Organised Crime Unit of Essex Police, leveraging intelligence gathered after EncroChat mobile devices were unlocked by law enforcement agencies in Europe.
Subsequently, in October 2022, officers executed 11 warrants at properties across south and west Essex and in Kent, resulting in several arrests and the seizure of a substantial quantity of Class A drugs.
Daniel French, 39, of Leybourne, Kent, and Paul Austin, 47, of Basildon, were identified as the top figures in the criminal hierarchy, managing the group's activities involving the supply of cocaine and cannabis, as well as money laundering.
Encrypted chat logs revealed their roles as middle-market dealers, sourcing cocaine in bulk and overseeing its distribution to lower-level dealers.
Further investigations disclosed that Austin utilized his dog breeding clinic as a central hub for the operation, where cash generated from drug sales was laundered.
The inquiry uncovered a total of 14 kilograms of cocaine purchased by French and Austin, which was then distributed in wholesale amounts and sold at street level by other members of the group.
When French was arrested, he was found in the boot of a car at the Portsmouth Ferry Port attempting to flee to Spain, carrying a passport and cash.
Teresa Kelly, 50, of Basildon, was identified as a key figure involved in money laundering for the group, in addition to her role in the street-level supply of cannabis.
Wesley Nice, 45, also of Basildon, was responsible for physically distributing cocaine to customers under the supervision of French and Austin, while Darren Witteridge, 45, managed a side business selling various drugs.
Lee Mallin, 42, of Grays, was found to be involved in distributing cocaine to street-level dealers, while Malcom Maxted, 50, of South Ockendon, facilitated the transportation of cash and cocaine between Mallin and other OCG members.
The sentences handed down by Basildon Crown Court were as follows:
Paul Austin: 12 years and six months' imprisonment.
Daniel French: 11 years and ten months' imprisonment.
Wesley Nice: 12 years and 11 months' imprisonment.
Lee Mallin: Four years and nine months' imprisonment.
Malcom Maxted: Three years' imprisonment.
Darren Witteridge: 11 years and five months' imprisonment.
Teresa Kelly: Three years and four months' imprisonment.
Serious Crime Prevention Orders are being pursued against Austin and French, with court proceedings underway to recover proceeds gained from the drug supply enterprise.
Detective Sergeant Stephen Robson, from Essex Police's Serious Organised Crime Unit, emphasized the significance of the investigation in dismantling the criminal network, highlighting the risks associated with drug dealing and its detrimental impact on vulnerable individuals.
Temporary Detective Chief Superintendent Rob Kirby, Head of Major Crime at the Serious Crime Directorate for Kent and Essex, commended the relentless efforts of law enforcement teams in disrupting illegal drug supply networks, affirming their commitment to ensuring the safety of communities and holding offenders accountable for their actions.