Three sentenced for conspiracy to supply Class A drugs

Two men and one woman have been sentenced for a conspiracy to supply cocaine and cannabis.

Jordan Swain, 27, previously of Jennings Close, Daventry, Sophie Baker, 35, previously of Oriel Road, Daventry, and Richard Lee, 38, previously of Buckfast Close, Daventry, all pleaded guilty to the offences at Northampton Crown Court earlier this year.

Yesterday (October 26), Swain was handed four years and ten months in prison, Baker was given four years and three months in prison, and Lee sentenced to two years suspended for two years.

On February 19, 2020, police officers stopped Swain in his car on High March, Daventry. The car was searched and a quantity of cocaine was found as well as two mobile phones.

When the phones were examined, they were found to contain messages which indicated that Swain was involved in the supply of both cocaine and cannabis. Messages showed that Baker was responsible for holding the drugs on behalf of Swain and worked under his direction. Enquiries also identified Lee as another of Swain’s sub-dealers.

Northamptonshire Police’s Serious and Organised Crime Team launched an investigation and on September 18, 2020, executed warrants at the home addresses of Baker and Lee. At Baker’s address they found nearly £1500 in cash, mobile phones, digital scales and amphetamine with a street value of up to £1,800.

At Lee’s address, cannabis with a street value of up to £3800 was recovered, along with scales, zip seal bags and a small quantity of cocaine.

Further investigations found that a phone seized from Swain in an unrelated arrest in June 2019, contained drugs ‘tick-lists’ showing customers owing over £20,000.

Phone evidence also showed Swain used a 13-year-old child as a ‘runner’ to supply cannabis, make deliveries and collect debts on Swain’s behalf.

Swain, Lee and Baker were then arrested and later charged with a conspiracy to supply cocaine and cannabis.

Detective Inspector Nick Cobley from Northamptonshire Police’s Serious and Organised Crime Team, said: “Jordan Swain acted like so many drug dealers, thinking that he could do what he wanted and not face the consequences of his actions. These individuals falsely believe they’re untouchable and believe they’re too clever to ever get caught.

“In reality, nobody is untouchable, especially not Jordan Swain.  

“There is no place in our communities for those who deal drugs, exploit the vulnerable and fuel the wider criminality and societal decline associated with drugs. This was a detailed investigation and I wish to commend the team for their efforts and the determination shown to bring Swain and his associates to justice.

“I hope this case shows the seriousness with which the Serious and Organised Crime Team operate to take down drug dealers. Ultimately, If you deal drugs, we will catch up with you.”