A significant crackdown on a South West drugs ring culminated in the arrest of Dean Chick, who was stopped on the northbound M5 carrying more than £31,000 in cash. The 37-year-old, alongside three others involved in distributing large quantities of cocaine and heroin, was sentenced today (Friday, November 7) at Bristol Crown Court.
The operation, led by the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit (SWROCU), resulted in the seizure of approximately 10 kilograms of cocaine and 4 kilograms of heroin, with a street value exceeding £1 million.
The investigation began in January 2022, shortly after Joe Hatherall was released on licence from a nine-year prison term for conspiracy to supply cannabis. Within days, he reconnected with his network, orchestrating the movement of large drug consignments across the region.
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In February 2022, Chick was stopped following an exchange tied to one of Hatherall’s associates. Police recovered £31,230 in cash from Chick, who was later sentenced to three years and four months for involvement in the cocaine supply.
Ben Bicknell, Hatherall’s primary distributor in Bristol, was arrested in June 2022. Officers found cocaine in snap bags on him and seized nearly £20,000 during a home search. Forensic evidence linked Bicknell to three kilograms of heroin and 660 grams of cocaine seized from his niece Kasey Cotterell’s residence. Cotterell received a two-year community order in September for her role in the organised crime group (OCG). Bicknell was sentenced to eight years and three months for conspiracy to supply class A drugs.
Stefan Dann, 33, from Nailsea, worked as a courier for the OCG and was also connected through forensic links to drugs stored at Cotterell’s home. He received a sentence of five years and seven months.
Analyses of Hatherall’s encrypted phone revealed his leading role in the OCG and that he funded a lavish lifestyle through his criminal activities. Arrested in November 2022 and recalled to prison, he was sentenced to twelve years and six months.
Law enforcement confiscated approximately £80,000 in cash from OCG members, alongside over £30,000 in cryptocurrency seized from Hatherall. These funds will support further crime-fighting efforts.
DCI Adam Smith of SWROCU stated: “Through diverse tactics, we gathered crucial evidence against Hatherall and his associates, dismantling their network and preventing significant quantities of cocaine and heroin from infiltrating our communities.
“Hatherall’s greed fueled his opulent lifestyle, marked by luxury vehicles, designer clothing, high-end watches, cosmetic dentistry, and even a jet ski.
“The conviction of all members illustrates our unwavering commitment to pursuing those involved in drug supply, no matter their attempts to evade justice.”