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Jail for drugs gang ringleader from Torbay Jail for drugs gang ringleader from Torbay
(about 4 hours later)
A drug gang leader has been jailed for 12 years after what is believed to be the largest seizure of prohibited stun guns in the UK.A drug gang leader has been jailed for 12 years after what is believed to be the largest seizure of prohibited stun guns in the UK.
David Morrison, 40, of St Lukes Road South in Torquay, was a "significant player" in bringing Class A drugs to the streets of Torbay, a court heard.David Morrison, 40, of St Lukes Road South in Torquay, was a "significant player" in bringing Class A drugs to the streets of Torbay, a court heard.
Exeter Crown Court heard the weapons were capable of discharging 1.2m volts - more powerful than police Taser guns.Exeter Crown Court heard the weapons were capable of discharging 1.2m volts - more powerful than police Taser guns.
Five other members of his gang are also serving prison sentences.Five other members of his gang are also serving prison sentences.
'Awful weapons''Awful weapons'
Morrison - who has previously spent more than six years in a Brazilian jail for drug smuggling - admitted conspiracy to supply Class A drugs, the possession of stun guns, and possession of criminal property.Morrison - who has previously spent more than six years in a Brazilian jail for drug smuggling - admitted conspiracy to supply Class A drugs, the possession of stun guns, and possession of criminal property.
During a surveillance operation in 2011, Morrison was seen selling the potentially lethal stun guns, disguised as mobile phones, in order to buy the large quantities of cocaine.During a surveillance operation in 2011, Morrison was seen selling the potentially lethal stun guns, disguised as mobile phones, in order to buy the large quantities of cocaine.
In total, Devon and Cornwall Police seized 68 stun guns and more than £100,000 in cash from the gang, who had travelled to Liverpool to buy drugs. They also found 0.5kg (1.1lbs) of cocaine described as 62% pure.In total, Devon and Cornwall Police seized 68 stun guns and more than £100,000 in cash from the gang, who had travelled to Liverpool to buy drugs. They also found 0.5kg (1.1lbs) of cocaine described as 62% pure.
Other members of Morrison's gang included:Other members of Morrison's gang included:
Defending, David Evans, told the court Morrison's experiences in a Brazilian jail had an "enormous psychological effect" on him.Defending, David Evans, told the court Morrison's experiences in a Brazilian jail had an "enormous psychological effect" on him.
On his return to the UK, Morrison turned to alcohol and drugs, he added.On his return to the UK, Morrison turned to alcohol and drugs, he added.
Mr Evans said Morrison would "buy and sell almost anything" and stressed that none of the stun guns was kept by Morrison, none of them had been used by him and they had "not been sold with intent". Mr Evans said Morrison would "buy and sell almost anything" and stressed that none of the stun guns were kept by Morrison, none of them had been used by him and they had "not been sold with intent".
He added that his client admitted he was making thousands of pounds, but said he was not making tens of thousands.He added that his client admitted he was making thousands of pounds, but said he was not making tens of thousands.