Seventeen Jailed in Derbyshire Snapchat Drug Ring Bust
Seventeen criminals have been locked up after running a major drugs empire across Derbyshire—using Snapchat as their slick sales platform.
Snapchat Drug Dealers Busted
The gang operated a collection and delivery service, even running social media contests with freebies to lure customers in.
Kingpin Evis Zogu led the operation, sourcing bulk cannabis. His crew—including Henry Raisbeck, Thomas Soler, and Samuel Dixon—handled supply and distribution between Nottinghamshire and Creswell.
Stephen Newton acted as driver and enforcer, while Claire Whittaker helped her partner Davey Holmes run the supply chain.
Police Sting Ends in High-Speed Chase and Drug Haul
It all unraveled in October 2020 when police tried to stop a suspicious car in Creswell. The vehicle sped off recklessly before crashing. The driver, Alex Hall, and passenger Kieran Birnie fled, but officers found five kilos of cannabis worth up to £27,000 in the boot.
Alex’s brother, Jay Hall, falsely claimed he was behind the wheel, but CCTV proved he was at a pub all night. This botched cover-up sparked tension and infighting within the gang.
Follow-up Raids Crush Supply Network
- January 2021: Holmes, Michael Cooper, Damien Wyatt and Craig Wyatt were caught with cannabis and cash in Bradford.
- February 2021: Leroy Wyatt and Holmes arrested with cannabis, cash, and a hidden weapon during a stop at Tesco in Clowne.
- Police raided Creswell stash houses, arresting Craig Wyatt, Leon Lander, Nicolla Eccleston, and Simon Dykes with large quantities of cannabis, cocaine, and drugs edibles worth over £21,000.
- A half-harvested cannabis grow was uncovered in Creswell after a tip-off from the public.
Harsh Sentences for Crime Bosses and Crew
- Evis Zogu, 37 – 8 years 6 months for conspiracy and possession with intent to supply cocaine
- Davey Holmes, 28 – 12 years for conspiracy and supply of Class A and B drugs
- Henry Raisbeck, 34 – 6 years 2 months for conspiracy and possession with intent to supply cocaine
- Alex Hall, 28 – 5 years 6 months for conspiracy and dangerous driving
- Others jailed or given suspended sentences; some handed community orders with unpaid work
PC Helen Ward, investigation lead, said: “This group were responsible for distributing large quantities of drugs in Derbyshire. I’m pleased they’ve now been brought to justice.”
“Drugs devastate our communities. It’s vital to dismantle these gangs. Please report any suspected drug dealing in your area. Together, we can get criminals off our streets.”
