Following a trial at Swindon Crown Court, Callum Thorn and Benjamin Danso-Obeng, have been found guilty of being involved in a significant drug dealing operation.
The investigation, led by the Serious and Organised Crime Unit of Wiltshire Police, resulted in the recovery of the biggest single quantity of class A drugs in Swindon and the exposure of an illicit operation disguised as a food import business.
Before the trial, Laura Taylor, 33, of Frank Warmin Court, Swindon, and Jordan Starr, 35 of Ermin Street, had pleaded guilty to drugs charges in relation to this case.
Callum Thorn, aged 25 from Chichester, was found guilty on multiple charges including two counts of conspiracy to supply heroin and cocaine, possession with intent to supply a class A drug, possession of criminal property, and possession of an offensive weapon.
Co-defendant Benjamin Danso-Obeng, aged 31 from Hardwicke, Gloucester, was convicted on two counts of conspiracy to supply heroin and cocaine, possession with intent to supply a class A drug, and possession of criminal property.
During the trial, it was revealed that Benjamin Danso-Obeng had been using his food import business, which imported noodles from Holland, as a front for his illegal drug operations.
On 9th February, a police operation successfully seized 5kg of cocaine and heroin at the Lok and Store storage facility in Kembrey Park, marking one of the largest drug recoveries in Swindon.
Callum Thorn was also found in possession of an extendable baton, a starting pistol, ammunition, and £1,050 in cash.
At Jordan Starr’s home, a safe containing 1kg of cocaine and 500g of heroin was uncovered.
On 5th May 2022, Thorn was arrested again, this time in connection with possession of £3,500 cash and £8,000 worth of class A drugs.
Detective Chief Inspector Angela Shipp, the senior investigating officer in this case said: “I welcome today’s verdict which has come as a result of a significant operation undertaken by the Serious and Organised Crime Unit in Wiltshire Police.
“I would like to thank the patience and time that the jury spent in hearing the evidence in this case presented.
“Members of the public who undertake jury duties take time out of their busy lives and perform a valuable public service in doing so.
“Criminals such as Callum Thorn and Benjamin Danso-Obeng who deal drugs in our communities cause significant harm and this police operation to disrupt their criminality has taken considerable efforts by the investigation team and for this I would like to thank them for their diligence and hard work.
“We will continue to target serious and organised crime in Wiltshire and pursue those who carry weapons, deal in drugs and exploit vulnerable people.”
A date will be set in due course for the sentence to be delivered.
