Exeter drug gang busted after police surveillance on safe house

Two members of an organised crime gang responsible for trafficking tens of thousands of pounds worth of cocaine into the South West have been jailed following a complex police investigation.

Stephen Wills and Leum Barrett were found guilty of conspiring to supply cocaine and possession with intent to supply cocaine after a trial that concluded on Friday, 6 December.

They were sentenced to a combined total of 14 years at Exeter Crown Court today (Thursday, 13 March) by His Honour Judge Stephen Climie.

The court heard that between July and November 2019, Wills and Barrett played key roles in an operation to move high-purity cocaine from London to dealers in Exeter and across the South West.

Several other gang members, including Adi Lleshi, Mark Vasija, and Richard Armitage, are already serving sentences after being convicted at previous trials for their involvement in the supply network.

Evidence presented in court revealed that Lleshi delivered cocaine to Exeter-based conspirators, including an exchange at a Chagford property.

During this transaction, Barrett was seen waiting outside before Wills and Armitage arrived. Shortly after, Lleshi left with a bag, having received payment for the drugs, before continuing his deliveries across the region.

The gang had been using the property as a safe house, unaware they were under surveillance by law enforcement agencies, led by Devon & Cornwall Police.

Searches of their home addresses later uncovered over a quarter of a kilogram of cocaine, worth an estimated street value of £40,000, proving their ongoing ability to buy and distribute drugs at a significant scale.

Authorities also found the gang used highly encrypted mobile phones to coordinate their activities and evade detection.

Wills, aged 36, of Bridford, Exeter, received nine years in prison for conspiracy to supply cocaine and four years for possession with intent to supply cocaine. He was also sentenced for three additional offences:

- Six years for conspiracy to supply a Class A drug

- Three years for conspiracy to supply a Class B drug

- Five years for possession of a prohibited firearm

All sentences will run concurrently with the nine-year term.

Barrett, 35, of Newton Poppleford, was sentenced to five years for conspiracy to supply a Class A drug and three-and-a-half years for possession with intent to supply cocaine, also to be served concurrently.

Detective Superintendent Ben Davies of Devon and Cornwall Police described the case as a “substantial and complex investigation,” highlighting the gang's extensive reach and the scale of their drug empire.

He said: “Large quantities of Class A drugs destined for the streets of Plymouth, Bristol, Torquay, and Penzance were seized, along with significant sums of criminal money.

“The judge made it clear that this group operated in a sophisticated and organised manner across the region. The sentences handed down today send a strong message to those who think they can transport and sell drugs in our communities.”

The prosecution was led by the Crown Prosecution Service's (CPS) South West Complex Casework Unit. Specialist prosecutor Ann Hampshire said: “This case involved an extensive review of evidence, including encrypted communications, surveillance, and financial transactions, to build a clear picture of the gang’s operations.

“The CPS will continue working closely with the police to ensure those who bring drugs into the South West are brought to justice.”