In a significant operation led by the West Midlands Regional Organised Crime Unit (ROCU) and Warwickshire Police, nine individuals have been sentenced for their involvement in a cross-county drug supply network operating between Coventry and Nuneaton. The CJ drugs line, first identified in 2019, was targeted after a thorough investigation spanning three years, culminating in arrests in November 2020.
The gang had continued to operate even through the national lockdowns during the COVID-19 pandemic. Evidence gathered during the investigation was crucial in bringing the group to justice, with all nine defendants pleading guilty to various drug-related offenses at Warwick Crown Court.
Sentences and Details:
Jordan Jennings, 30, of Gilfil Road, Nuneaton, was sentenced to 13 years for conspiring to supply crack cocaine and heroin.
Aaron Davies, 25, from Biscay Drive, Portishead, received 10 years and three months after admitting to similar charges of conspiring to supply crack cocaine and heroin, and failing to appear in court while on bail.
Rory James, 29, of Gilfil Road, Nuneaton, was sentenced to eight years for conspiring to supply crack and heroin.
Connor Jennings, 26, of Camden Street, Coventry, was sentenced to six years and three months for conspiring to supply heroin, crack cocaine, and cannabis.
Simon Jones, 34, from Wood Lane, Old Arley, was given a sentence of three years and three months for conspiring to supply crack and heroin, as well as failing to attend court while on bail.
Eimear Judge, 22, of Woodway Close, Coventry, played a lesser role, participating in phone calls that facilitated the drug supply. She received a 12-month suspended sentence, alongside 15 days of rehabilitation and 100 hours of unpaid work.
Simon Lynch, 58, of Woburn Drive, Nuneaton, was given a two-year suspended sentence for supplying heroin and crack, with additional rehabilitation and 175 hours of unpaid work.
Steven Sherlock, 41, of Camden Street, Coventry, was sentenced to a one-year suspended sentence for being involved in the supply of cannabis, along with 130 hours of unpaid work.
Amy Steele, 38, from Church Road, Nuneaton, was sentenced to a two-year suspended sentence for conspiring to supply heroin and crack. She will also undergo rehabilitation and carry out 150 hours of unpaid work.
The sentences totaled 47 years, sending a strong message about the consequences of being involved in drug trafficking.
Comments from Officials:
DCI Richard Brown from Warwickshire Police’s Serious Organised and Acquisitive Crime team expressed satisfaction with the results of the operation. “There’s nothing better than a plan coming together,” Brown said. “This operation has had a real positive effect on the safety of residents in Nuneaton and Coventry.”
A representative from West Midlands Police also highlighted the importance of the operation. “This was a significant case, and we’d like to thank all the officers involved for their hard work in dismantling the CJ line and removing its negative influence from the West Midlands and Warwickshire.”
The case underscores the ongoing efforts to tackle drug supply networks, which continue to pose a serious threat to communities.