Organised Crime Gang Busted Bringing £630k of Drugs into Bristol
A well-oiled crime gang running heroin and cocaine into Bristol has been smashed by police. Three men caught in the net have now been jailed for their roles in the racket.
£60k Cash and Drugs Seized After M5 Stop
On Friday 11 November 2022, officers pulled over a vehicle on the northbound M5 in South Gloucestershire. Inside, they found nearly £60,000 in cash. The car had travelled all the way from Liverpool to Bristol earlier that day.
Following further raids on a property in Hartcliffe, police uncovered more than 6kg of heroin and 377g of cocaine — drugs worth over £630,000 on the streets. Also seized was 3kg of a cutting agent used to bulk out the heroin, boosting the dealers’ profits.
Three Men Arrested and Charged
- Lee Wood, 34, of Queen Charlotte Street, Bristol, admitted involvement in heroin and cocaine supply, possessing criminal property, and driving offences.
- Wade Gwyther, 27, of Kenmare Avenue, Bristol, pleaded guilty to drug supply charges.
- Peter Woods, 33, of Clavell Road, Liverpool, the driver stopped on the M5, also admitted drug supply and possessing criminal property.
Lenient No More: Jail Sentences Delivered at Bristol Crown Court
Last Friday, all three faced Bristol Crown Court for sentencing.
- Lee Wood was jailed for 10 years.
- Wade Gwyther received six years and eight months.
- Peter Woods got four years and eight months behind bars.
Judge Edward Burgess said this was a “well-organised criminal network functioning at a high level” with Wood playing a leading role running heroin and cocaine supply on a commercial scale.
Detective Chief Inspector Adam Smith added: “This sentence reflects that these individuals were senior figures in an organised crime group bringing drugs into our city. We take targeted action like this because we see first-hand the harm done to individuals and our communities by wholesale dealers like these men. Lives are ruined and communities suffer from anti-social behaviour and crime linked to the illegal drug trade.”
