Tony Cook, 38, from Greenwich, has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for possession of firearms with intent to endanger life and drug supply offences, after a significant cocaine and firearms bust by the Metropolitan Police.
The sentencing followed a tense trial at Croydon Crown Court on 13 November, where Cook was identified as the ringleader of a commercial-scale drug operation.
Tracey Cook, 59, also from Greenwich, was sentenced to five years for possession of firearms, ammunition, and Class A drugs. Her partner in crime, Kevin Whelan, 45, was given nine years for conspiracy to supply cocaine and possession of criminal property.
Dean Osmon, 38, from Bexley, pleaded guilty to intent to supply cocaine and received a nine-year prison sentence.
The Metropolitan Police’s Specialist Crime Command launched an operation after intelligence highlighted the gang’s cocaine dealings. On 8 October 2019, officers observed Kevin Whelan exchanging drugs with Dean Osmon in Medway. Osmon was found with four 1kg blocks of cocaine valued at up to £400,000 hidden in a black holdall.
Whelan attempted to flee but was caught after a foot chase. Tony Cook was seen overseeing the drug deal nearby. Minutes later, Tracey Cook was spotted dumping two rucksacks near her home. Police recovered the bags, discovering 447 wraps of cocaine worth £22,350, along with a revolver, a sawn-off shotgun, a loaded 9mm pistol, and large amounts of ammunition.
All four suspects were arrested on 10 October 2019.
Investigators found that Tony Cook, Osmon, and Whelan used iPhone 6 devices with Dutch SIM cards that had been remotely wiped, indicating efforts to conceal their communications. At Whelan’s residence, £19,720 was discovered in cash. Whelan claimed the money came from boat sales and decorating work.
Detective Inspector Nikki Owen of Specialist Crime South commented: “Tony Cook’s possession of three firearms, one loaded, shows the deadly lengths he was willing to go. Luckily, the weapons and drugs were seized before things turned ugly. Tackling violent crime remains a top priority for the Met. We urge anyone with information to come forward, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
During sentencing, Judge Gower praised Detective Constable Sarah Orange for her excellent investigative work. The judge described Tony Cook as the gang’s leader, organising a large-scale drug operation for substantial profit. “Though the weapon wasn’t used in a crime, he planned for it to be used to endanger lives,” the judge said. “He must live with having ‘landed his mother in prison.’”
Tracey Cook was also criticised by the judge, who stated that the jury believed she knowingly helped hide guns and drugs, putting public safety at risk by moving the rucksacks. “She had every chance to see what was inside but chose to help keep illicit items from police,” the judge added.
Originally published by UKNIP.
