23 people convicted in massive drugs operation

A 12-MONTH investigation, targeting the supply of class A and B drugs across four counties, has resulted in 23 people being convicted for their involvement.

The East Midlands Special Operations Unit (EMSOU) investigation, supported by Leicestershire Police, was launched last summer.

Since then 22 people have admitted their parts in the illicit ‘business venture’ – one of whom was working as a prison officer when she brought in a prohibited article into prison.

EMSOU Detective Inspector Lee Hunt said: “These outcomes are a testament to the hard work of those officers and staff who have been involved in this large scale and complex investigation.

“Those convicted ran a businessoperation and they all had a key role to play in the supply of controlled drugs onto the streets.

“Enforcement last summer saw us execute more than 50 warrants across the county, as well as in

Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire and Liverpool. More than 50 people were arrested during the operation.

“This was a significant operation for us but our work doesn’t end here. We know the supply of controlled drugs is a never-ending battle and there is always someone waiting to fill the gap left by others.

“Our efforts to stop the misuse of drugs will continue and we will carry out further operations of this nature to disrupt the criminal activity.”

Those convicted include:

• Richard O’Donovan, 37, of

Wren Close, Syston, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply Class A drugs.

• Dawid Flondro, of Homefield

Road, Sileby, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply class A and B drugs and conspiracy to supply Class A drugs.

• Aaron Curtis, 29, of Barkby

Road, Syston, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply Class B drugs and cultivation of Class B drugs.