BY JASON SIMONS
THE landlord of a popular Essex pub has been jailed for 20 years for his part in a drug smuggling ring.
The group, which included Graham Ellis, landlord of the Cricketers and his 36 year-old son, were proven to have imported millions of pounds of heroin and cocaine.
5 6 year old Graham was jailed for 20 years with Gareth receiving nine years for his part.
Southwark Crown Court found him guilty of conspiracy to importing and supply class A drugs, and possession of criminal property to the tune of £50,000.
His son had already pleaded guilty to conspiracy to import and conspiracy to supply the drugs.
Gary Malone, 44, of London Road, Wokingham was given a 12 year sentence for conspiracy to import and supply.
Ian Hall, 35, of Navenby Road, Wigan, was sentenced to six years and eight months in prison when he appeared at St Albans Crown Court last July and pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply class A drugs.
Detective Constable Steve Masterson, from the Metropolitan Police Service’s organised crime command, who was commended by the trial judge for his investigation, said: “These three individuals thought that they had found a fool proof
“These significant sentences should act as a warning to those who would seek to smuggle Class A drugs into the UK. The MPS will use all its experience to pursue you and ensure you face justice.” A regular at the pub told Eye of Media
”Graham is a well known man in the area of Westcliff and Southend On Sea with strong alliances in London. The Cricketers pub is one of the friendliest pubs in one of the area of Essex, with many of its regulars part of a close network of friends. Graham and his son are well liked in the community and were doing what they have to do. I guess sometimes it can come on top”. Westcliff and Southend have been hit my intense police raiding in the past year over drugs. Londoners who see the area as a safe haven for peddling drugs have swamped the area recently, but have found it a tough area to take over therefore leading to many stabbings and killings