Seven Carlisle Drug Dealers Jailed After Major Police Crackdown
Seven members of a Carlisle-based crime gang have been sentenced to a combined nearly 40 years behind bars. Police also seized drugs worth over £300,000 during the massive bust that shattered their operation.
Operation Oberlin Takes Down Organised Crime Group
Cumbria Police’s Serious and Organised Crime Unit launched Operation Oberlin targeting drug trafficking across the county. Over several raids, officers uncovered cocaine, cannabis, MDMA, £60,000 in cash, and valuables including Rolexes, knuckle dusters, and even an imitation firearm.
The crime ring was run by Stephen Dixon, 35, who controlled the business from his prison cell at HMP Northumberland where he was already serving time. Helping him was Dylan Schwencke, 25, both of Carlisle, who even bragged via phone messages about how untouchable they felt.
Key Players Sentenced for Drugs, Smuggling and More
Following court hearings, four more gang members were locked up at Carlisle Crown Court on March 5, adding to three already sentenced. Total jail time now stands at 38 years 9 months.
- Stephen Dixon, 35, of Blackwell Road, Carlisle – 8 years 8 months for conspiracy to supply Class A drugs.
- Dylan Schwencke, 25, of Warnell Drive, Carlisle – 10 years 6 months for conspiracy to supply Class A drugs and smuggling prohibited items into prison.
- Chance Beardmore, 23, formerly of Bedford Road, Birkenhead – 3 years 6 months for conspiracy to smuggle prohibited items into prison.
- Clare Karpinski, 46, of Bedford Road, Birkenhead – 27 months for conspiracy to smuggle prohibited articles into prison.
Previously sentenced were Simon Pipes (6 years), Ellis Graham (3 years 4 months), and Warren Graham (4 years 6 months), all involved in drug supply conspiracy and possession.
Drugs Smuggled Into Prison, Massive Cocaine Haul Busted
In December 2019, Beardmore, Schwencke, and Karpinski attempted to smuggle cocaine, cannabis, steroids, mobiles, alcohol, and syringes into HMP Northumberland by throwing packages over the prison fence. Prison officers intercepted the delivery just as Beardmore, working in the prison laundry, tried to collect it. Karpinski was caught on CCTV driving between prisons with the contraband.
Simon Pipes was later seized during early 2020 raids across Carlisle, where police found cocaine worth over £100,000, MDMA tablets, expensive watches, an imitation gun, knuckle dusters, and more than £60,000 cash.
Ellis Graham was caught driving with two kilos of cocaine valued at almost £200,000. Phone intercepts showed instructions flowing from Schwencke and oversight from Dixon, who ran the criminal empire from behind bars.
Police Deliver a Stark Warning to Drug Dealers
Detective Chief Inspector David Cooper said: “This should send a stark warning to anyone trying to profit from drugs in Cumbria. This gang’s operation was devastating but has been smashed to pieces. The sentences handed down show the consequences for playing with Class A drugs.”
“Cumbria Police will relentlessly target drug criminals. We ask the public to help us stop drugs flooding our streets and harming communities.”
Cumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Peter McCall praised the thorough investigation. He added: “We will not stop pursuing those dealing drugs in Cumbria. The money seized will go back into the community to keep Cumbria safe. Criminals thinking about dealing in drugs here should think again – we will catch and punish you.”
If you know about drug dealing in Cumbria, report it. Together, we can make our county safer to live, work, and visit.
