Two men have been sentenced for supplying cocaine and heroin in the Walcot area of Swindon.
Michael Jordan Cook, 28, of no fixed abode, was sentenced to five years and 11 months imprisonment at Swindon Crown Court on Thursday after pleading guilty to supplying cocaine, being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine and heroin, offering to supply a class A drug, and possession with intent to supply a class B drug, namely cannabis.
Owen Rhys Wilson, 20, of Caulfield Road, Gorse Hill, received a 16-month suspended sentence for possession with intent to supply crack cocaine and heroin.
The case dates back to October 2022, when officers were alerted to drug dealing activity at Baileys Farmhouse in Swindon following concerns raised by Swindon Borough Council’s housing team.
Upon attending the location, officers located and arrested Wilson in possession of several wraps of Class A heroin and crack cocaine. Shortly after Wilson’s arrest, officers responded to a 999 call from the council’s housing department reporting a man returning to the location wearing a balaclava.
Officers attended the scene and, following a short pursuit on foot, Cook was detained. CCTV enquiries subsequently revealed him discarding several wraps of cannabis into a nearby nursery. Following the arrest of both suspects, analysis of phones revealed Cook to be directing Wilson to supply Class A drug users in the local area.
Acting Police Sergeant Hesketh of the Local Police Tasking Team said: “This investigation was a direct result of partnership working with Swindon Borough Council housing department, and I would like to thank their staff members for acting swiftly and reporting their concerns around suspected drug activity taking place.
“I welcome the prison sentence given to Cook by the courts as he played a significant role within the drug dealing operation.
“This sentence should demonstrate that Wiltshire Police will not tolerate drug dealing in Swindon and we are committed to dealing with these individuals robustly.”
