Gloucester's biggest drug gang jailed
One of Gloucester's biggest and most notorious drug dealers has been sent to prison among 11 men jailed for bringing hundreds of thousands of pounds worth of cocaine into the city.
Andrew Venna, 34, leader of the 11-man organised crime gang was jailed for 12 years at Bristol Crown Court for selling drugs brought in from London.
The gang members sentenced were:
- Matthew Cornwall, 34, of Discovery Road, Gloucester - jailed for 10 years
- Andrew Venna, 34, of Partridge Close, Gloucester - jailed for 12 years and nine months
- Granit Nanushi, 39, from London - jailed for eight years
- Orsid Cela, 28, from London - jailed for three years
- James Dawkins, 39, of Butterrow Hill, Stroud - jailed for six years nine months
- Aaron Baker, 31, of The Bridle, Stroud - jailed for years and three months
- Daniel Payne, 22, of Moseley Crescent, Stroud - jailed for three years six months
- Edward Bell, 44, of Badminton Road, Gloucester - jailed for three years
- Ryan Reese, 24, of Finlay Road, Gloucester - jailed for 21 months
- Paul Reeves, 27, of Lodgemore Lane, Stroud - jailed for four years
- Leroy Slater, 39, of Wellington Street, Gloucester - jailed for nine years and two months
Police began an investigation early last year, after violence in 2017 between Venna's gang and others in Gloucestershire.
Detectives said it took six months to gather enough evidence to arrest and charge the dangerous gang members.
Venna would order cocaine from a supplier in London and his couriers Granit Nanushi and Orsid Cela, both from London, would then bring the drugs to Gloucester and meet Matthew Cornwall at various pre-arranged drop-off points.
The drugs were then taken to addict Edward Bell, who police said would "test the quality of drugs prior to payment being made".
The Judge commended the police investigation: "I don't have to highlight the blight and dangers of cocaine on society - it ruins people's lives, health, and those close to them."
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