Drugs gang jailed for total of 40 years

Nine men, and three boys who cannot be identified, have been jailed for drugs offences. Credit: Bedfordshire Police.

A 12-strong gang of Luton drug dealers - including three boys aged under 18 - have been jailed for a total of 40 years.

The group, led by ringleader Kane Lee, 23, of Gilderdale, were responsible for supplying cocaine and heroin in the High Town area of Luton.

They used a telephone number, known as the 'Kane Line' to deal the drugs. Exchanges were often carried out in broad daylight in the middle of the street.

The Eastern Region Special Operations Unit (ERSOU) carried out a six-month investigation between September 2016 and March this year.

It culminated in 10 simultaneous search warrants being carried out in Luton in conjunction with Bedfordshire Police and the National Crime agency.

All nine men and three boys were charged with a range of offences including conspiracy to supply Class A drugs, supplying Class A drugs, and possession.

They each pleaded guilty and their sentences ranged from eight years in prison to youth rehabilitation orders.

Kane Lee, 23; conspiracy to supply Class A drugs; eight years in prison.
Ladean Lee, 21; conspiracy to supply Class A drugs; six years, eight months.
Derrick Fray, 39; conspiracy to supply Class A drugs; five years, four months.
Ryan Kirkpatrick, 34; conspiracy to supply Class A drugs; five years, four months.
Ryan Paul, 20; conspiracy to supply Class A drugs; three years.
Ewan Raeside, 20; conspiracy to supply Class A drugs; two years, eight months.
Lewis Stansfield, 22; supplying Class A drugs; three years.
Ryan Bowen, 28; supplying Class A drugs; three years.
Luke Hammond, 20; supplying Class A drugs; three years.

Three youths, who cannot be named for legal reasons, also received:

  • A 12-month detention and training order.

  • 12-month youth rehabilitation order, a 90-day community penalty, a three-month tagged curfew and 12 months supervision.

  • 10-month youth rehabilitation order, a 90-day community penalty, a three-month tagged curfew and 10 months supervision