Police have revealed how more than £15,000 of heroin destined for Yeovil was taken off the streets after the couple responsible for the trafficking were jailed for a total of six years.
Amanda Minter, 48, and partner Sean Russell, 47, both of The Acres, Martock, were sentenced at Hereford Crown Court on Thursday for intending to bring high purity heroin to the streets of Yeovil and the surrounding area.
Minter had denied any involvement in dealing drugs but was found guilty of possession with intent to supply heroin last Wednesday.
Russell had previously pleaded guilty to the same offence. Minter was also sentenced for possession of Pava spray – a dangerous solution similar to CS gas – which is classified as a section 5 firearm.
Detective Chief Inspector Pete Warren, of Avon and Somerset Police, said: "These offenders caused a significant amount of harm to the local community and I am pleased that the sentences given at court reflect the severity of their crimes.
"Drug dealing can have devastating and direct effect on law abiding residents as there is a direct link between Class A drugs and acquisitive crime. We will continue to work closely with Zephyr and other agencies to tackle those who make a living out of crime with no regard for the lives they destroy."
The couple were caught after an investigation by police officers from Zephyr – the South West's regional serious and organised crime team – who uncovered a plot to supply heroin in the area on Monday, October 8.
Officers spotted them leaving a hotel at the Frankley Services complex on the M5 Motorway in the West Midlands. More than £15,000 of heroin was found in Minter's handbag which police say was bought in Birmingham.
Detective Sergeant Nick Eckland, of Zephyr, said: "I have no doubt that the heroin purchased by these offenders in Birmingham would have been supplied to the communities of south Somerset, in particular those in Yeovil.
"The sentencing of these criminals shows how seriously these offences are taken and as a result Yeovil is a safer place."
Minter was ordered to serve 38 months in prison and Russell was handed a sentence of 33 months.
Stephen Davies, senior crown advocate with the Crown Prosecution Service West Midlands, said: "The sentencing of both Amanda Minter and Sean Russell sends out a clear message that anyone who travels from the west country with the intention of purchasing class A drugs to supply to the communities of Yeovil and the like – can expect to be prosecuted, convicted and sent to prison.
"West Midlands Crown Prosecution Service would like to thank officers from Zephyr for their assistance in facilitating this prosecution with us."
Anyone with any information on drug dealing in their area is asked to contact Avon and Somerset Police through 101. Alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
