Anthony Watson, aged 31, from Walton-on-the-Naze, has been sentenced to 12 years in prison after pleading guilty to five serious drug-related charges. Watson was arrested in Clacton, Essex, in December 2022 as part of an extensive investigation into drug trafficking in the region.
Upon his arrest, Watson was found with both Class A and Class B drugs, as well as two mobile phones, including a burner phone. He was connected to Liam Phelan, a key figure in a large drug and firearms trafficking network, who was sentenced to 16 years in prison in May 2023.
Watson played a central role in the operation by acting as a go-between, handling large quantities of Class A drugs until they were picked up by other members of the network. Despite initially denying his involvement, Watson faced multiple charges and was remanded into custody.
In March 2024, Watson was again arrested after being found in possession of a significant amount of cannabis while driving. A subsequent search of his home uncovered not only drugs but also weapons, including a cattle prod. Further investigation revealed videos and messages linking him to a large-scale drug-dealing operation.
Watson was charged with a variety of offenses, including the supply of cocaine, possession with intent to supply, and the supply of both Class A and Class B drugs. Despite initially pleading guilty to some charges, Watson ultimately admitted all charges as the strength of the case against him became clear.
Detective Inspector Frazer Low, from the Serious and Organised Crime Unit, praised the efforts to dismantle the criminal network, stating, “The evidence against Watson was overwhelming. Our team was prepared, and we’ve successfully taken a large quantity of drugs off the streets, preventing even more from reaching Essex.”
Watson was sentenced on August 28 to 12 years in prison, marking another success in the ongoing effort to combat organized crime in the region.
