Five men have received sentences for selling drugs on Canvey, with 3 of the 5 jailed for 8 years.

Officers from the Op Falcon team, who target those involved in organised crime, first became aware of the group in October 2023.

The officers identified a drug line number, which had previously been dismantled, had been re-established with a new network – while also utilising some of the previous workers.

The line was heavily involved on the sale of Class A and Class B drugs, namely cocaine and cannabis.

An investigation led to the imprisonment of 5 people.

Officers identified that 38-year-old Aaron Mzioued, nickname Pie/Piesy, was controlling the line – supported by 36-year-old Scott Kennedy.

Further investigation also established Michael Searles, 48, Mark Chittock, 35, and Adam Mayo, 52, were involved and working as runners.

Phone messages have been recovered, which showed Kennedy arranging the transfer and movement of cash from the sale of drugs, organising runners, and arranging the purchase of large amounts of cocaine.

Messages also showed Mzioued had been contacted by people, asking him if he could supply them drugs.

The group were arrested when warrants were executed on 20 December 2023 and were later charged.

The men were sentenced on Wednesday (17 July) at Basildon Crown Court.

Mzioued, of Cherry Close, Canvey Island, was sentenced to 3 years in prison for being concerned with the supply of Class A drugs and possession with intent to supply Class A drugs.

Kennedy, of Brindles, Canvey Island, was also jailed for 3 years for being concerned with the supply of Class A drugs, being concerned with the supply of Class B drugs, and money laundering offences.

Chittock, of Seaview Road, Canvey Island, was jailed for 2 years for being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs and possession with the intent to supply Class A drugs.

Searles, of Keer Avenue, Canvey Island, and Mayo, of Mornington Road, Canvey Island, were both charged with possession of Class A drugs and handed 18-month sentences, suspended for 2 years.

“These men used violence and the threat of violence to establish themselves in the market,

“Their activities will have caused misery for our community and poisoned it with the drugs they were selling,

“I’m glad our work means they’ve now been brought to justice,” Sergeant Adam Jarvis, from the Op Falcon team, said.