Prisoners ran drug supply network from their cells
Two prisoners who ran a drug supply network from their cells using smuggled-in mobile phones have each been sentenced to an extra 10 years in jail.
The men, aged 33 and 37, were the subject of a police investigation which led to their cells being searched at HMP Coldingley, in Surrey. A number of mobile devices were found and seized, including one hidden down the younger man’s trouser leg.
Examination of the seized devices showed that the pair had been communicating with associates via text message, arranging drug dealing activity. Evidence presented in court included mobile phone location data.
DC Alex Sarakinis of Surrey Police’s Serious and Organised Crime Unit said: “Organised crime groups cause untold damage to our communities through their activities. These two offenders may have thought they were being smart by trying to continue controlling their network from jail, but, working closely with the Prison Service, we were able to prove their involvement. Now they will go even longer without their freedom, and we will be working to ensure any illegal profits they have made are seized.”
At Guildford crown court, the pair were sentenced for their involvement in drugs supply and money laundering. The 33-year-old, who was already serving a six-year sentence for offences including possession of a handgun, was sentenced to 10 years and nine months for conspiracy to supply class A, money laundering and possession of mobile devices in prison.
The 37-year-old, who had been in jail since 2012, was given a further 10-year sentence for conspiracy to supply class A and money laundering. A number of their associates outside prison have also been sentenced in separate cases for their involvement in drug supply.
What a bizarre and hugely excessive punishment. We know that the use of tobacco causes enormous suffering, injuries and premature deaths. Can we imagine prisoners being sentenced to ten years for supplying cigarettes from their cells? There is not the slightest justification for the UK’s war on drugs instead of focusing on prevention and rehab, and this is one more example of the vast harms the war is causing working class people.
Oh, and put a password on the Prison wi-fi ?
I understand why they cannot block-out mobile phones entirely, but why not install Stingray? That technology has been available clandestinely for decades, – Stingray is where you power-up a ‘fake’ cell Mast onsite. All mobile phones log in to the most powerful signal. The mast sends on the calls it knows about, and it routes the rest to security for further examination. I’d tell you more but then I’d have to kill you.