Wolverhampton drugs gang leader jailed after sending 23,000 messages to users
Ricardo Samuels sent 23,749 text messages to drug users advertising Class As between January and June last year
Last updated 9th Jun 2026
The leader of a Wolverhampton drugs gang has been jailed after sending more than 23,000 messages to drug users attempting to organise drug deals.
Ricardo Samuels, 34, of Warmley Close, Wolverhampton, ran what police describe as a “drugs phone line”.
He organised the sale of cocaine, MDMA and zopiclone between January and June last year, with the help of his girlfriend and another man who acted as a courier.
Police say the operation was worth in the region of £94,000.
Sentencing
Samuels has been jailed for two years and six months after pleading guilty to conspiracy to supply Class A drugs.
His co-defendants, Kimberley Preece, 35, of Catisfield Crescent, Wolverhampton, and Michael Ferringo, 33, of Chapel Ash, also admitted the same offences.
Preece was given a 22-month suspended sentence and ordered to complete 200 hours of unpaid work and attend 30 activity days, along with a five-month monitoring order.
Ferringo was sentenced to 21 months in prison, suspended for two years, and must complete 150 hours of unpaid work and a four-month monitoring order.
Police investigation
Officers carried out raids at four properties on 21 August last year, leading to their arrests.
Detective Constable David Cockbill said drug dealers “target the most vulnerable, ruining lives and blighting communities”.
He said officers were pleased the drugs line had been “stopped in its tracks” and that those responsible were now behind bars.