Wiltshire Police slam the brakes on massive drug and money laundering gang – two jailed!
Kingpin Caught with £65,000 Cash Stash
Charlie Savage, 27, from Standerwick, Frome, led a major organised crime ring that flooded the UK with over 188kg of cocaine. The drug lord was sentenced to 12 years behind bars at Swindon Crown Court on Thursday (26/3) for drug supply and money laundering.
Savage was busted in Knightsbridge, London, in April 2025, carrying a rucksack stuffed with more than £65,000 in cash.
Trusted Lieutenant Locked Up for Nine Years
Shay Girvan, 22, from Station Road, Warminster, was Savage’s right-hand man, moving cocaine, cannabis, and cash nationwide. He landed a hefty nine-year jail sentence for his key role in the gang.
Police Smash Rival Crime Web
“Savage was operating at a level above what we would expect for someone of his age, however with this youth came a degree of naivety. Unfortunately for him and his criminal associates, moving cocaine and cannabis in such significant quantities required detailed record keeping to stay on top of the accounts. This meant we were able to access Savage’s records when he was arrested and as a result of his diligence, have to date arrested over 30 of his customers, couriers, money launderers, and suppliers for their involvement in the operation. The majority have been released on bail whilst the complex nature of the investigation is assessed by the Crown Prosecution Service.”
“Girvan was a trusted lieutenant, heavily involved in the movement of large quantities of cocaine, cannabis, and cash, and his jail sentence reflects his position within the group and the role he played.”
Detective Constable Jared Yalden of the Serious and Organised Crime Unit credited meticulous police work and detailed insider records for the gang’s downfall.
More Trouble Ahead for Savage and Girvan
Both face proceeds of crime orders, risking the seizure of their assets. Savage is also set to receive a Serious Crime Prevention Order once freed.
Deputy SIO Detective Sergeant Richard Nelsen urged: “We continue to rely on our communities to identify and alert us to those who live beyond their means and engage in criminality which directly affects those around them.”
The investigation rumbles on as cops hunt more suspects tied to this sprawling drugs empire.
