A prominent drugs gang operating in Gloucestershire, responsible for flooding the county with cocaine valued at around £2 million, has been dismantled following a dedicated police investigation.
The five men at the heart of the operation—Jordan Ireland, James Blandford, Ashley Booth, Brian Dennis, and Scott Capstick—were sentenced to a combined total of over 36 years in prison. Their activities came to light through phone videos and social media posts, which revealed Ireland, the ringleader, advertising kilogram blocks of cocaine via messaging apps such as SnapChat and WhatsApp.
Between February 2023 and their arrests in September 2024, the group supplied at least 25 kilograms of cocaine. Investigators uncovered footage on seized phones showing cocaine blocks and the drug being processed on a kitchen surface. Police continue efforts to identify the locations and individuals appearing in the videos.
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The investigation began after two unrelated arrests in 2023 led to the discovery of incriminating evidence on mobile devices, connecting Ireland, from Cheltenham’s Yorkley Road, to cocaine distribution. His subsequent arrest and examination of his phone, along with tips from the community, strengthened the case against him.
Extensive searches and warrants executed in September 2024 resulted in the seizure of numerous digital devices, revealing further key evidence. Financial records uncovered showed the gang made payments exceeding £600,000 for high-purity cocaine, with additional unrecorded transactions likely increasing that total.
Authorities revealed that some cocaine was adulterated by the gang before being pressed into kilogram blocks at a local garage managed by Dennis. He crafted a metal mold to give the altered drug the appearance of superior quality.
Court proceedings described Ireland as the mastermind, with Blandford serving as a trusted lieutenant overseeing money and drug distribution. Booth and Capstick were drug runners, responsible for storage, distribution, and delivering significant sums of money to upstream couriers.
Before sentencing at Gloucester Crown Court on May 7, four men pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine, while Capstick admitted involvement in cocaine supply. Ireland, Blandford, and Booth also admitted to conspiracy to supply cannabis, with Ireland and Booth facing additional charges related to ketamine supply.
Detective Chief Inspector Matt Phillips praised the investigation team’s efforts, emphasizing the connection between reducing drug availability and protecting individuals grappling with addiction.
“This successful operation underscores our commitment to tackling drug dealing and improving the safety of our communities,” he stated.