Cambridge drugs kingpin jailed for 30 years
Ashley Latimer-Basill, 36, and two accomplices from Hertfordshire have all been sentenced at Cambridge Crown Court
The leader of an organised crime group responsible for selling firearms, ammunition, and drugs across the UK has been sentenced to 30 years and six months in prison. Two of his key associates received a combined 38 years and three months for their roles in the operation.
Ashley Latimer-Basill, 36, was identified as the head of the criminal network during an investigation by the Eastern Region Special Operations Unit (ERSOU). The group was found to have converted blank firing guns into live weapons and distributed them using a network of criminal contacts.
Latimer-Basill, of Brook Road, Thriplow, purchased at least 19 firearms for conversion. Investigators linked him to two 'conversion factories' and discovered financial transactions to accomplice Robert Kenna, who handled the technical work.
Kenna, 35, of Burnsfield Street, Chatteris, used his skills as a metal worker to modify firearms and ammunition. Police found over 750 rounds of converted ammunition and tools hidden in his garden shed. He was sentenced to 17 years and 11 months.
Latimer-Basill’s brother, Michael Latimer, 39, of Blackthorn Close, St Albans, bought more than 125 blank firearms and hundreds of rounds of ammunition, coordinating frequently with Kenna. Police seized 60 kilograms of class A drugs from his home and discovered blank ammunition during his arrest. He received a 20-year and four-month sentence.
The investigation also revealed the group’s involvement in producing and distributing ‘zombie dust’, a lethal mixture of heroin and other substances, including nitazenes. Police found the substance being prepared at Kenna’s home, while packages ready for distribution were discovered in Michael Latimer’s garage.
Detective Chief Inspector Steve Dowty from ERSOU said: “These men were directly involved in the production of firearms which will no doubt have been used to threaten, seriously injure, and potentially kill others. The sentences handed down today reflect the severity of their activity and are testament to the scale of our investigation and the dedication of our detectives.”
He added, “ERSOU is committed in the fight against drugs and guns and, alongside police forces across the region, we will be relentless in our pursuit of those who continue to recklessly and selfishly commit serious and organised crime.”
All three were convicted of conspiracy to supply firearms, ammunition, and class A drugs at Cambridge Crown Court.