Six sentenced for drug supply

Six people have been sentenced to a combined total 23 years and eight months for their involvement in an organised crime group suspected to have been operating across Hull for several years.

Following a complex investigation lasting over two and a half years, all six were charged with multiple drugs offences and eventually pleaded guilty.

• Ethan Start, 27-years-old, of Ashworthy Close in Hull, pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of supply of class A cocaine, possession with intent to supply class A cocaine, and possession of criminal property. He has been sentenced to five years and two months behind bars
• Kenny Ancliffe, 33-years-old, of Crayford Close in Hull, pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of class A cocaine, possession with intent to supply class A cocaine, and possession of criminal property. He has been sentenced to four years and six months in prison.
• Louis Edmundson, 26-years-old, of Deerhurst Grove in Hull, pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of class A cocaine, being concerned in the supply of class B cannabis, and possession of criminal property. He has been sentenced to four years and two months behind bars.
• Kenny Harding, 37-years-old, of Haydock Garth in Hull, pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of supply of class A cocaine, and possession of criminal property. He has been sentenced to four years and six months.
• Sonny Hermitt, 35-years-old, of Westlands Road in Hull, pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of class A cocaine, being concerned in the supply of class B cannabis, and possession with intent to supply class A cocaine. He has been sentenced to three years and four months in prison.
• Shelby Gaunt, 31-years-old, of Deerhurst Grove in Hull, pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of class A cocaine, being concerned in the supply of class B cannabis, and possession with intent to supply class A cocaine. She has been sentenced to two years suspended for twelve months.

Led by a team of experienced detectives from the Kinetic Organised Crime Group team, an investigation was launched in March 2023, after officers identified that a number of people had been playing integral roles in an organised crime group by producing and supplying class A cocaine across Hull.

From phone data recovered from previously convicted members of the same Organised Crime Group, and information received from our communities, and initial enquiries into the activity of the suspected drugs network, a series of warrants were subsequently executed at the home addresses of all six individuals.

Officers discovered significant amounts of Class A drugs, approximately £22,900 worth of cash, weapons including a zombie style sword, and a baton, and expensive possessions such as designer clothing.

Multiple mobile phones were also seized as a result of the warrants and officers from our Digital Forensics Unit got to work analysing the phone data which uncovered the group were involved in the distribution and supply of Class A drugs within our local communities, with those higher in the chain supporting these below, who themselves had their own onward supply lines as well.

All six were subsequently arrested and whilst in custody, all replied no comment when questioned by detectives.

Detective Constable Ross Paterson from our Kinetic Northbank Organised Crime Group team, leading the investigation said: “By stopping the activities of all six involved in this operation, we have prevented significant amounts of drugs from being sold on the streets of Hull, and beyond.

“This comprehensive investigation saw officers trawling through a vast amount of phone data, along with forensic and operational searches in order to put forward a strong prosecution case. The impact of drugs causes a significant harm in our communities, and we must remain focussed on targeting those would are a cause of this harm.

“Working with our partners and the community enables us to disrupt drug networks and bring offenders to justice. This case serves as a clear reminder that those involved in drug supply will be identified and prosecuted. 

“Investigating and tackling organised crime remains a priority for our force and we are committed to dismantling drugs networks, protecting those at risk of exploitation, and ensuring offenders like Hall are held fully accountable.”

If you have any concerns about what’s happening in your area, speak to your local officer, call into your nearest station or call the non-emergency 101 line.

If you’d prefer to remain anonymous, you can also call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555111. If someone is in immediate danger, always call 999.