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Gang who hid drugs in 'secret' sections of cars jailed Gang who hid drugs in 'secret' sections of cars jailed
(about 20 hours later)
Ringleaders of a drugs gang who used cars with "secret" compartments to hide cocaine and amphetamines have been jailed.Ringleaders of a drugs gang who used cars with "secret" compartments to hide cocaine and amphetamines have been jailed.
Christopher Turton, 32, and Dale Wright, 42, both of Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply Class A and B drugs.Christopher Turton, 32, and Dale Wright, 42, both of Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply Class A and B drugs.
Turton was sentenced to 10 years and Wright six years and eight months at Stafford Crown Court.Turton was sentenced to 10 years and Wright six years and eight months at Stafford Crown Court.
The court heard how a car dealership was used as a front to move drugs. Police said a car dealership was used as a front to move drugs.
More on this story and other news in NottinghamshireMore on this story and other news in Nottinghamshire
Vehicles were rebuilt with sections which could only be detected by x-ray.Vehicles were rebuilt with sections which could only be detected by x-ray.
The East Midlands Special Operations Unit (EMSOU) and the National Crime Agency discovered the compartments under windscreens, car boots and in gearboxes, with sophisticated pinprick locking systems.The East Midlands Special Operations Unit (EMSOU) and the National Crime Agency discovered the compartments under windscreens, car boots and in gearboxes, with sophisticated pinprick locking systems.
The Southwell Motor Group, in Rainworth, now run as a legitimate business, was a front for moving drugs and laundering money, the court heard. The Southwell Motor Group, in Rainworth, now run as a legitimate business, was a front for moving drugs and laundering money, police said.
Police helicopter footage captured a car being dismantled hours after its owner was arrested in Portugal after being caught with cocaine worth £7m.Police helicopter footage captured a car being dismantled hours after its owner was arrested in Portugal after being caught with cocaine worth £7m.
EMSOU said it seized more than half a tonne (500kg) of cocaine and amphetamines and stopped one courier in Leicester, with more than a £100,000 in cash.EMSOU said it seized more than half a tonne (500kg) of cocaine and amphetamines and stopped one courier in Leicester, with more than a £100,000 in cash.
A number of other people from parts of the East Midlands, London, Glasgow, Northamptonshire and Oxfordshire have also been sentenced for their roles in the operation.A number of other people from parts of the East Midlands, London, Glasgow, Northamptonshire and Oxfordshire have also been sentenced for their roles in the operation.
Det Insp Andy Jones said: "The drugs would be coming from the continent and worldwide and ultimately those drugs would be seen on the streets of Nottingham, Derby, Leicester and the rest of the UK.Det Insp Andy Jones said: "The drugs would be coming from the continent and worldwide and ultimately those drugs would be seen on the streets of Nottingham, Derby, Leicester and the rest of the UK.
"They were one of the biggest and most organised groups within the East Midlands.""They were one of the biggest and most organised groups within the East Midlands."
Turton and Wright also pleaded guilty to conspiracy to transfer criminal property.Turton and Wright also pleaded guilty to conspiracy to transfer criminal property.
The police operation was part of a global inquiry into Robert Dawes, a suspected crime boss from Sutton-in-Ashfield, who is awaiting trial in France.The police operation was part of a global inquiry into Robert Dawes, a suspected crime boss from Sutton-in-Ashfield, who is awaiting trial in France.