Drugs gang jailed for more than 20 years

Four members of a drugs gang have been jailed for a total of more than 20 years for their part in supplying cocaine in Thetford.

It follows a dedicated police operation which ran from January 2024 - October 2024.

The four appeared at Norwich Crown Court on Wednesday 26 November 2025 after previously admitting conspiracy to supply a class A drug.

• Christopher Overton, aged 34, of Elm Road, Thetford was sentenced to 9 years and 6 months imprisonment. 
• Ashley Holloway, aged 32, of St Johns Way Thetford was sentenced to 6 years imprisonment.
• Luke Jeffries, aged 29, of Edinburgh Way, Thetford was sentenced to 3 years imprisonment.
• Chelsea Archer, aged 26, of St Johns Way, Thetford was sentenced to 2 years and 3 months

Led by Christopher Overton, the group ran the so-called Jimmy line, distributing cocaine across Thetford and Brandon in small paint pots similar to those seen in children’s art sets.

The court heard that in this case the gang's phone line received more than 28,500 calls from drug users between September 2023 and May 2024.

Following sentencing, Detective Inspector John Beales of the Serious and Organised Crime Unit said;

"Criminal gangs like these seek to exploit the vulnerable and spread misery throughout our communities.

"The fact that we were able to dismantle this network, seize harmful drugs, and bring those responsible before the courts is the result of a relentless, intelligence-led operation by our dedicated officers.

"Our message is clear: we will continue to pursue and disrupt anyone who profits from exploitation."

If you have information about someone involved in the supply of illegal drugs, or are concerned about someone vulnerable to exploitation, please contact us via our website or call 101.

Top photo shows: Overton (top left), Holloway (top right), Jeffries (bottom left) and Archer (bottom right)

Photo below shows the type of pots used to distribute the drugs