Four members of major Norfolk-based drug line jailed

The four men - three of whom lived in Wiggenhall St Germans - were involved in a major drugs line linking Norfolk with London and Liverpool.

Three of the four gang members sentenced lived in the remote village of Wiggenhall St Germans (Image: Google)

They appeared at Norwich Crown Court earlier this week, where ringleader Calvin Newson - who was known as 'Boss Man' and 'Zeus' by his subordinates - was jailed for 13 years.

Three other members - Joshua Lee, Tyler Doran and Benjamin Keates - received shorter sentences.
 

The village sits four miles south of Lynn (Image: Ian Burt)

It is known for its pumping station (Image: Ian Burt)

The police investigation into the gang started in August 2022 when officers received a tip-off that a property in Somersby Close, in the north of King's Lynn, was being used to sell drugs.

Officers established the connections to Merseyside and the capital by identifying 'upchain sellers' who were supplying the drugs.

Through surveillance and analysis of phone data, they also identified Newson, 38, of Lynn Road, Hillington, as a leading figure.

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A trawl through thousands of phone messages provided an insight into the gang and the various roles each member played, with Newson at the top.

Calvin Newson was called 'Zeus' by his subordinates (Image: Google)

The focus of the investigation also switched to a remote property in St Germans, four miles south of Lynn, where Lee, Keates and Doran all lived in a house of multiple occupation (HMO).

The three men made several round trips to London and Liverpool - keeping in close contact with Newson by phone and text.

Joshua Lee was sentenced to six years (Image: Norfolk Constabulary)

Analysis of mobile devices revealed thousands of messages and images that related to drug dealing and investigators were able to create a timeline of where and when the gang made round trips and show they were in constant contact with Newson.

In May 2023 police carried out a number of warrants in the area and arrested everyone involved.

Newson’s Mercedes was also seized alongside a quantity of drugs and some luxury branded goods.

Tyler Doran was sentenced to seven and a half years (Image: Norfolk Constabulary)

After a three-week trial in July, Newson was found guilty of conspiracy to supply cocaine, MDMA, cannabis, psilocybin (magic mushrooms) and ketamine.

He was also found guilty of failing to provide a PIN number when requested to by police.

He was sentenced this week, alongside the other three gang members.

Lee, 27, of Lynn Road, St Germans, admitted conspiracy to supply cocaine, MDMA, cannabis, psilocybin (magic mushrooms) and ketamine and was sentenced to six years.

Doran, 29, of Lynn Road, St Germans, admitted conspiracy to supply cocaine, MDMA, cannabis, psilocybin and ketamine. He also admitted a further charge of failing to supply a PIN number and was sentenced to seven and a half years.

Keates, 43, of Eastfields, Lynn, admitted conspiracy to supply cocaine, MDMA, cannabis, psilocybin and ketamine and was sentenced to four years.

Benjamin Keates was sentenced to four years (Image: Norfolk Constabulary)

Superintendent Sonia Humphreys said: "This was a very complex and involved investigation which shows the lengths Norfolk officers will go to in removing drug dealing and the associated harm it causes from our county.

"The types of drugs being dealt here may seem in some circles as socially acceptable, however the so-called 'party' drugs can cause significant physical and mental health issues.

"I hope that this investigation sends a message to those who think that they are above the law that we are watching and we will bring you to justice."

Those affected by drug use can access support via www.changegrowlive.org.