Four drug lines disconnected following conviction of Corby gang

Two men are beginning prison sentences for their leading roles in the supply of Class A drugs in Corby, following an investigation by Northamptonshire Police.

In October 2023, detectives from the North CID team launched an operation to dismantle drug lines operating in the town following a rise in violence and threats linked to the illicit supply of crack cocaine and heroin.

Investigations revealed that between March and October last year, four of the lines - Rocky, Marlow, Mitch and Emkay (MK) – were operating under one umbrella to achieve the common goal of rapid, large-scale drug supply.

With evidence mounting against the drug gang, the investigation team executed warrants at several locations across the town, which included an address in Waterside Lane, Corby, on November 10.

Inside, they recovered a quantity of Class A drugs including 33 wraps of crack cocaine and 144 individual deals of heroin, along with mobile phones, scales and other paraphernalia used to sell and supply illicit drugs.

Further analysis of the mobile phones found marketing messages using tags associated with the four drug lines as well as photos of the two ringleaders – Alexi Da’Costa and Tyrone James – posing with firearms and wads of cash.

As a result of the investigation, seven men and two teenage boys were charged in connection with the supply of Class A drugs in Corby.

The charges against the two teenage boys were discontinued as the investigation progressed, however, five of the seven men went on to be convicted of drug supply offences following a 12-day trial at Leicester Crown Court in May.

Last Thursday (August 29), the five defendants were back in front of a judge at Northampton Crown Court to be sentenced.

Da’Costa, aged 24, of Lowry Close, Corby, who was found guilty by the jury, was sentenced to seven years’ imprisonment for two counts of conspiracy to supply Class A drugs – namely crack cocaine and heroin. He was also sentenced to two years to run concurrently for breach of a suspended sentence.

The other defendants – James, William Ian Hynds, Tyler Tierney, and Stephen Lee Donnelly – all pleaded guilty to their respective charges at an early stage.

James, aged 23, of Upton Grove, Birmingham was sentenced to five years and seven months’ imprisonment for two counts of conspiracy to supply Class A drugs – namely crack cocaine and heroin. He was also sentenced to six months in prison to run concurrently for breach of a suspended sentence.

William Ian Hynds, aged 28, of Newark Drive, Corby, was handed a two-year suspended prison sentence for being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs. He must also complete a six-month drug rehabilitation programme and a 30-day rehabilitation activity.

Tyler Tierney, aged 20, of Waver Close, Corby, also admitted to being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs and was handed a two-year suspended prison sentence, a 30-day rehabilitation activity and 100 hours of unpaid work.

While Stephen Lee Donnelly, aged 48, of Waterside Lane, Corby, admitted to permitting a premises to be used to supply Class A drugs. He was sentenced to 22 weeks in prison, suspended for 18 months, ordered to complete 100 hours unpaid work and engage in 40 days rehabilitation activity.

Detective Inspector Torie Harrison of CID North said: “Tackling the harm caused by drugs is a priority for Northamptonshire Police, and I am really pleased our investigation has resulted in lengthy prison sentences for Da’Costa and James.

“They sought to profit by preying on some of the most vulnerable people in our society, with their activity no doubt also fuelling drug-related violence and acquisitive crime, but instead of counting the cash both are now going to be counting the days they must serve behind bars.

“We also hope that this sends out a clear message to those involved in the illegal drugs trade in our communities as well as reassures members of the public that we will take positive action against those who target their communities.”

If anyone has concerns about drug dealing, or someone becoming drawn into gang culture, please report it to us on 101, online at www.northants.police.uk/ro or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.