3 sentenced to 20 years for drug dealing in South Devon

Drugs, cash, jet ski and caravan all seized during operation.

Three people have been sentenced to nearly 20 years in prison for supplying Class A drugs in South Devon.

The sentences come following a lengthy and detailed investigation by officers from the South Devon Proactive Policing team which aimed to disrupt the supply of class A drugs across the area.

All three were sentenced by a Judge at Exeter Crown Court on Thursday 23 April.

Jamie Martin, aged 46, of Lower Cannon Road, Newton Abbot was sentenced to seven years.

Kelly Woodward, aged 36, of Lower Cannon Road, Newton Abbot was sentenced to six years and three months.

Paul Willis, aged 41, of Templer Place, Bovey Tracey was sentenced to six years.

Officers began Operation Gravis in July 2017, which ran for several months.

Together, Martin, Woodward and Willis ran a major drugs operation, which sought to control the Heroin and Cocaine market across Newton Abbot, Chudleigh, and the wider Teignbridge area.

Throughout the course of the investigation, a total of 547g of Heroin and 130g of Crack Cocaine with a potential street value of over £66,000 was seized. A number of other assets including £22,000 in cash, a caravan and a jet ski, were also seized.

Police are now seeking a confiscation order under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002, for the cash and assets that were seized by police throughout the investigation. A date for this will be set in due course.

All three were initially arrested in January 2018 and released pending further enquires. Martin and Woodward were later arrested in October 2018 following further police action and the pair were both remanded in custody.

Following an appearance at South and West Devon magistrates in October 2018, then Exeter Crown Court in November 2018, all three pled guilty to the charges.

Detective Inspector Mike jones, from the Local Investigation Team, said: “The South Devon Proactive Policing team, has dismantled yet another organised crime group and I am pleased to see they have been sentenced by the court. This group targeted and supplied drugs to vulnerable users across South Devon perpetuating the cycle of crime and the misery that drugs brings. We will continue to take the fight to drug suppliers like this and I can assure you we have many more in our sights”.