Redditch Drug Dealers Jailed

Three Redditch drug dealers have been jailed.

David Gibbs, aged 34, of George Walk, Redditch, and Calvin Harvey, aged 26, of Slade Road, Edrington, Birmingham, admitted conspiracy to supply heroin.

Gibbs' partner Carol Munro, aged 36, of Abbey Road, Redditch, pleaded not guilty to conspiracy to supply heroin but was found guilty after a trial.

All three were sentenced at Worcester crown court today, Friday 9 December.

Harvey was jailed for four years, Gibbs for three years and eight months, and Munro for two and a half years.

A fourth defendant, who faced similar charges, died from misuse of drugs in May 2011 while on court bail.

Information was received that the defendants, who operated from a rented house in Abbey Road, were among the main dealers in Redditch and supplied both local drug users and people from other areas who travelled to Redditch to obtain drugs from them.

A covert surveillance operation by plain clothes officers, codenamed Operation Wizard, took place over three weeks in September and October 2009, which led to a warrant being executed and heroin with a street value of almost £500 being seized.

As well as leading to jail sentences for the defendants, the operation enabled police to identify and build intelligence on many of the defendants' clients, who included around 125 known Redditch criminals.

Detective Constable Mark Bradley of West Mercia Police said: "The defendants and indeed many of their clients were prolific offenders and the sentences reflect the seriousness with which drug dealing is regarded by the courts.

"The link between drugs and crime is well-recognised. A large proportion of thefts and burglaries are committed by drug addicts, as they invariably steal to fund their habit.

"Furthermore, the effects of drug misuse are well-documented, and indeed one of the defendants continued to ignore the dangers and paid the ultimate price with his life.

"The supply of controlled drugs and the associated crime has a devastating impact on the families and friends of users and suppliers, and on our communities. Abbey Road is a respectable residential street close to the town centre, and these four were causing untold misery for local residents and businesses.

"We hope this operation deters others from either drug dealing themselves, or as in the case of Munro, helping their partners to deal or turning a blind eye."

Detective Sergeant Lee Brighton added: "A team of officers has worked tirelessly on this case for two years, and I want to send a very clear message to both drug dealers and users that the police will continue to work closely with our partnership organisations, supported by the Crown Prosecution Service, to bring offenders to justice.

"Crimestoppers is also invaluable in helping us fight back against the misery of drugs as it enables people to pass on information anonymously. Each little bit of information, however irrelevant it may seem, can help us piece together a picture of what is happening."

Following the operation in Abbey Road, police delivered information leaflets to nearby homes to reassure residents and inform them of the positive action taken to address drug use and supply in the area.

Disrupting the supply of drugs remains a high priority for the police, and officers are urging anyone with information to contact them on 0300 333 3000 or ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

Issued: Friday 09 December 2011