Drug dealer sentenced after hiding in garden shed in Norfolk
Marc Kane played key role in Gorleston cocaine enterprise
Marc Kane, a 43-year-old drug dealer, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison.
Kane was arrested and found hiding in a garden shed on August 1st, 2024, during a Norfolk Police operation targeting a cocaine distribution network in Great Yarmouth.
Norwich Crown Court heard how Kane was a central figure in an organised crime group that distributed cocaine worth over £1.3 million.
The sentencing follows the earlier convictions of six other group members who were charged with conspiracy to supply cocaine.
Ashley Youngman, aged 34, of Cliff Hill, Gorleston was sentenced to 8 years and 6 months imprisonment.
Dominic Wilkins, aged 25, of South Quay, Great Yarmouth was sentenced to 6 years imprisonment.
Hayder Gilgil, aged 20, of Anchor Court, Great Yarmouth was sentenced to 4 years imprisonment.
Joe Drysdale, aged 31, of Beavans Court, Great Yarmouth was sentenced to 3 years 6 months imprisonment.
Ben French, aged 49, Of Fritton Close, Lowestoft, was sentenced to 3 years imprisonment.
Michael Rushmer, aged 34, of HMP Norwich, was sentenced to 2 years 8 months imprisonment.
Operation Accent, which ran from March 2024 to August 2024, targeted a criminal group led by Kane and focused on large-scale cocaine distribution.
Police discovered 10 kilos of high-purity cocaine hidden in a house in John Road, Gorleston, with an estimated street value of £1 million.
Kane attempted to evade capture by fleeing and hiding in a neighbouring shed before officers apprehended him.
Throughout the investigation, Kane and Youngman employed methods to avoid detection, including using rural 'stash sites' for hiding drugs.
Detective Sergeant Eddie Hammond described their lifestyles as 'lavish,' despite lacking significant legitimate income.
Designer clothing worth over £20,500 was seized from Kane's home, alongside evidence of luxury spending, including £12,545 spent at Louis Vuitton and £22,000 cash for a Range Rover Evoque.
Kane also used hire cars to transport drugs, spending nearly £6,000 on car rentals between January 2024 and his arrest.
Detective Sergeant Eddie Hammond commented: "Drug trafficking is a major source of revenue for organised crime groups. The fact that members of this gang have now been jailed for a total of more than 37 years sends a clear message that we will continue to target those responsible for the supply of drugs in Norfolk and ensure offenders are held accountable before the courts."