Man jailed for almost 12 years following Op Revive investigation

A man found with illegal drugs and a viable handgun has been jailed for almost 12 years following an Operation Revive investigation.

Jack Root, aged 23, came to the attention of Northamptonshire Police through community information, and an investigation went on to link him to the supply of illegal drugs in Northampton.

In September last year, officers from Operation Revive carried out four warrants, including one at a property in St Leonards Road, where Root was found in possession of illegal drugs valued at more than £20,000, along with around £2,400 in cash.

A subsequent search of the property recovered a converted blank firing pistol loaded with home-made ammunition, with tests later establishing the weapon was viable.

Root, of Melbury Place, Northampton, went on to be charged with possession of a prohibited weapon, two counts of being concerned in the supply of a Class A drug (heroin and cocaine), possession of an offensive weapon in a private place in relation to a knuckleduster, and possession of a Class B drug (cannabis).

At a court hearing on February 6, Root entered guilty pleas to all charges, and on November 29 he appeared at Northampton Crown Court for sentence, receiving a custodial sentence totalling 11 years and eight months.

Speaking afterwards, Sergeant Scott Garbett of Op Revive West said: “Our work bringing down those involved in the sale of illegal drugs is vital to protecting and supporting our communities.

“It’s thanks to information from the public that we can unravel the illegal activities of people like Jack Root, who aim to exploit the vulnerabilities of others for their own financial gain.

“The discovery of an illegally-converted handgun during this investigation illustrates just how dangerous these people are, and I’m pleased we’ve both taken a deadly weapon out of the hands of criminals and also ensured Root faces a substantial prison term that reflects the seriousness of his crimes.

“I’d like to thank the investigating officer in this case, PC Lewis Patterson, for his tireless work in uncovering Root’s drug dealing and gathering all the evidence that secured his guilty pleas.

“All our Op Revive officers are dedicated to making our communities safer from those involved in drugs and gangs, and I hope this case again illustrates the importance of community intelligence to our work.”

• A 19-year-old Northampton man also convicted in relation to the same investigation received a 20-month custodial sentence, suspended for two years, with a six-month curfew, GPS monitoring and 100 hours of unpaid work.

Operation Revive is Northamptonshire Police’s hard-hitting enforcement campaign which focuses on bringing to justice those involved with Class A drug dealing and gangs.

If you have information or see any suspicious behaviour where you live, please call Northamptonshire Police on 101, or report online at www.northants.police.uk/RO. In an emergency always call 999.

Information can also be submitted anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555111 or online here.