Drug gang jailed for more than 30 years

Four members of an organised crime gang have been jailed for more than 30 years following a two-year police probe that ultimately dismantled the operation disrupting the flow of drugs into Norfolk.

The investigation began in August 2022 following intelligence that drugs were being sold from a property in Somersby Close, King’s Lynn.

It was this warrant that led to officers uncovering a major drugs line between Norfolk, London and Liverpool by identifying ‘upchain sellers’ indicating an organised group.

Investigators identified Calvin Newson, 38, of Lynn Road, Hillington as a leading figure.

He was found guilty of conspiracy to supply cocaine, MDMA, cannabis, psilocybin (magic mushrooms) and ketamine following a three-week trial in July.

He was also found guilty of failing to provide a PIN number when requested to by police.

He appeared at Norwich Crown Court for sentencing on Tuesday 3 September 2024 where he was handed a 13 year jail sentence.

Three other men who had all pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing were sentenced as follows:

• Joshua Lee, aged 27, of Lynn Road, Wiggenhall St Germans, admitted conspiracy to supply cocaine, MDMA, cannabis, psilocybin (magic mushrooms) and ketamine and was sentenced to six years.
• Tyler Doran, aged 29, of Lynn Road, Wiggenhall St Germans, admitted conspiracy to supply cocaine, MDMA, cannabis, psilocybin (magic mushrooms) and ketamine. He also admitted a further charge of failing to supply a PIN number. He was sentenced to 7.5 years.
• Benjamin Keates, aged 43, of Eastfields, King’s Lynn, admitted conspiracy to supply cocaine, MDMA, cannabis, psilocybin (magic mushrooms) and ketamine and was sentenced to four years.

During investigations and surveillance it emerged that Newson was a key player, with phone data and a trawl through thousands of messages providing an insight into the individuals and the role they played – with Newson at the top.

He was referred to by those beneath him who were selling on to customers as ‘Boss man’ and ‘Zeus’.

Meanwhile the focus of the investigation switched to a remote property in Wiggenall St Germans, an HMO, where a number of his gang lived (Lee, Keates and Doran).

These people made multiple round trips to London and Liverpool keeping in close contact with Newson by phone and text, officers were able to show.

Analysis of mobile devices revealed thousands of messages and images that related to drug dealing and investigators were able to create a timeline of where and when his gang made round trips and show they were in constant contact with Newson.

In May 2023 police carried out a number of warrants in the area and arrested everyone involved. Newson’s Mercedes was also seized alongside a quantity of drugs and some luxury branded goods.

Superintendent Sonia Humphreys said: "This was a very complex and involved investigation which shows the lengths Norfolk officers will go to in removing drug dealing and the associated harm it causes from our county.

"The types of drugs being dealt here may seem in some circles as socially acceptable, however the so called “party” drugs can cause significant physical and mental health issues.

"Those affected by drug use can access support via www.changegrowlive.org.

"I hope that this investigation sends a message to those who think that they are above the law that we are watching and we will bring you to justice."

Pictured below are Calvin Newson, Joshua Lee, Tyler Doran, and Benjamin Keates.