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Drugs gang sentenced to 24 years Drugs gang sentenced to 24 years
(30 minutes later)
A gang which flooded Moray with drugs has been jailed for a total of 24 years after being thwarted by a major undercover police operation.A gang which flooded Moray with drugs has been jailed for a total of 24 years after being thwarted by a major undercover police operation.
William Kelbie, 39, Donald Stewart, 36, Owen Gorman, 41, and Stephen Johnston, 36, admitted supply charges.William Kelbie, 39, Donald Stewart, 36, Owen Gorman, 41, and Stephen Johnston, 36, admitted supply charges.
The four dealt in cocaine, amphetamine, ecstasy and cannabis which was taken from the central belt to Elgin.The four dealt in cocaine, amphetamine, ecstasy and cannabis which was taken from the central belt to Elgin.
Kelbie got 10 years, Stewart seven-and-a-half, Gorman four-and-a-half and Johnston two years. Kelbie was jailed for 10 years, Stewart for seven-and-a-half, Gorman for four-and-a-half and Johnston for two years.
Police said the men brought "fear and wretchedness" to communities but had now been brought to justice.Police said the men brought "fear and wretchedness" to communities but had now been brought to justice.
Passing sentence at the High Court in Glasgow, temporary judge John Morris QC said: "You have all involved yourself in drug trafficking, which is an evil trade."
Make no bones about it - these were nasty individuals who showed no compassion to anyone Supt Alan Smailes Grampian Police
He told Kelbie and Stewart: "You two were involved at a very high level."
About 100 police officers, some in riot gear, had swooped at the Chanonry caravan site in March.About 100 police officers, some in riot gear, had swooped at the Chanonry caravan site in March.
Substantial shipments of drugs would be regularly taken to the site from Ward Park industrial estate in Cumbernauld or from the A9 at Perth and Dunkeld.
During the operation, police recovered nearly 8kg of amphetamine, 1.5kg of cocaine and more than £72,000 in cash.
Derick Nelson, prosecuting, earlier told court: "From the spring of 2006, Kelbie was involved in sourcing large quantities of cocaine and amphetamine. Stewart had a similar role in respect of ecstasy and cannabis.
"The drugs would be taken mainly to Chanonry caravan site in Elgin, a site set aside for travellers, where they would be sub-divided for onward distribution.
"Some of the drugs were hidden or buried on site, awaiting uplift by others in due course."
'Thought invincible'
The drugs were then passed on to runners and sub-dealers.
Mr Nelson added: "It is impossible to place an exact value on the drugs involved."
Police found tens of thousands of pounds during the operation
Kelbie admitted being involved in the supply of cocaine and amphetamine between 2006 and this year.
Gorman admitted being concerned in the supply of amphetamine and cannabis resin from 2007 to this year.
Stewart admitted being concerned in the supply of ecstasy and cannabis resin between 2006 and 2008.
And Johnston admitted being concerned in the supply of amphetamine this year.
All four had previous convictions.
Another member of the gang, Derek Dackers, was earlier jailed for four years.
'Everyone relieved'
Supt Alan Smailes of Grampian Police said: "This operation targeted men who have been active criminals in the Moray area for a long time, causing misery across every aspect of life in this area, through drug dealing, intimidation and violence.
"The investigation has taken years to progress due to the level of fear that these men had instilled across the community.
"They thought they were invincible and it was a long time coming but we sent them and the people of Moray the clear message that we are intent on improving the quality of life in our communities."
He added: "Make no bones about it - these were nasty individuals who showed no compassion to anyone.
"There has been a big change in the quality of life of the people of Moray and we will make it exceptionally difficult for anyone to take over the mantle of these people."
The former Chanonry travellers' camp was demolished on health and safety grounds after the police operation.
Councillor Eric McGillivray, chairman of Moray Council's communities committee, said: "Everyone will be relieved that a line can finally be drawn under this episode and that the people who used the site as a den for their illegal activities have been brought to justice."