Carlisle: Gang leader jailed for nine years in drugs operation

A gang leader has been jailed for nine years as part of an ongoing police operation against organised crime.

Carlisle man Robert Smith was found guilty of conspiring to supply a class A controlled drug, and two counts of possessing criminal property.

Smith, 38, of Lowther Street in the city was sentenced as part of Cumbria Constabulary's Operation Alliance.

Det Insp Duncan Brooker said: "Disrupting the drugs supply is among our policing priorities in Cumbria."

Smith's conviction forms part of police efforts to crack down on organised criminal gangs in the county.

On three occasions in a four-month period between October 2022 and February 2023, police found criminal evidence relating to Smith and supplying drugs.

On 14 October, police seized a kilogram (2lb) of heroin from an area of land behind an address linked to Smith on the outskirts of Newtown, Brampton.

Three months later, on 13 January 2023, officers executed a warrant on a grey Volkswagen Golf linked to Smith, in which they discovered £26,850 in cash concealed within the vehicle.

Smith was then arrested as he left an address in Wetheral on 4 February.

A search of the property was carried out and police discovered money, heroin and items used in the cutting of heroin.

Speaking after Smith was sentenced at Carlisle Crown Court, Det Insp Brooker said that a drugs expert had estimated that Smith would have handled over 7.1kg (15.6lb) of heroin over the conspiracy period for an organised crime group operating across north Cumbria.

He said: "I hope these sentences send a strong message to those selling high-harm drugs such as heroin: we will pursue you, arrest you, and prosecute you no matter where you live."

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