Sheffield gang member facing jail following large-scale drugs probe

Simon Beatson, 48, of Basegreen Drive, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply class A drugs at Nottingham Crown Court on December 16.

A total of 12 offenders have now been found guilty or have previously pleaded guilty for their part in an organised drugs gang which blighted Bestwood and the surrounding areas of Nottingham.

Detectives at Nottinghamshire Police have described it as the ‘biggest drugs investigation in recent years’.

The court heard how the gang had been operating out of the Bestwood estate for 14 months.

Reece Hofton, who was one of the leading members of the gang, had even been dealing drugs out of a barber’s shop on the estate. The shop has since closed.

Speaking after the conclusion of the trial, Detective Inspector Richard Bull, who led the investigation, said: “We have wiped out an organised criminal group, preventing them from gaining extreme profits and in doing so have protected our communities from criminals who bring with them intimidation, exploitation and violence.

“This operation has resulted in smashing one of the biggest drugs rings operating within Nottinghamshire. It sends a clear message to those intent on causing such misery, that criminal gangs operating like this, will not be tolerated and we will find you and we will prosecute you.”

All 12 members have been remanded to await sentencing at a date yet to be confirmed.