We'll get you, dealers warned after drug ring smashed

SOUTH Yorkshire’s drug dealers have been warned they will face justice after police smashed a heroin and crack cocaine drug ring.

Edlington man Andrew Timmons (31) of Dukes Crescent, Edlington, was jailed for four years after being found guilty at Sheffield Crown Court of supplying class A drugs.

The court heard that he was one of 12 men from Doncaster and London who received between three and nine years for offences of supplying drugs and conspiracy to supply drugs in Doncaster.

The trial followed a 15-month police operation in which more than £15,000 in cash was seized along with half a kilo of crack cocaine and half a kilo of heroin with a combined street value of approximately £40,000.

Det Chief Insp Steve Whittaker said: “Street dealers attract drug users and this unwanted combination brings with it anti-social behaviour and violence that undoubtedly affects a disproportionate number of local residents and young people.

“We listened to their concerns and the information provided by our communities has been of real value. 

“It demonstrates that only by working together can we make a real difference.”

Detectives trawled through more than 60 separate incidents about drugs transactions as part of the inquiry.

The men were arrested after warrants were executed and properties raided over two days in May last year.

South Yorkshire Police gained support from a number of local businesses and partner agencies, including the Metropolitan Police to assist with arrests.

Mr Whittaker added: “This operation is a strong warning to anyone involved in dealing drugs. 

“If you think you are safe to deal drugs in Doncaster, or South Yorkshire, you are wrong. 

“If you think communities will tolerate you, you are wrong. If you think people are scared to tell us who you are, you are wrong.

“We will work with communities and partners to ensure that we identify you, arrest you and prosecute you to keep our communities safe.”

Gavin Pickersgill (32), of Dukes Crescent, Edlington, was also charged with supplying class A drugs but failed to appear.