Ayrshire Police have welcomed tough sentences handed down to two criminals involved in the distribution of half-a-million pounds worth of Class A drugs throughout the region.
Joseph McGurk, 34, was sentenced to six years and seven months and Mark Dewhurst, 34, was sentenced to three years and six months for their parts in the scheme.
The pair, who were described as being part of a “well-established group” were convicted of distributing Class A drugs, including cocaine, crack cocaine and heroin, worth in excess of £500,000 throughout Ayrshire.
Ayrshire Live previously told how McGurk was held by police after a raid at a high-purity cocaine factory in Kilwinning on October 15, 2019.
The 34-year-old attempted to escape out a window after officers were initially confronted by a fearsome Bull Mastiff dog.
However, McGurk was soon held along with fellow drug gang member Dewhurst.
The investigation to catch the two drug dealers followed a “large-scale” policing operation under the banner of ‘Operation Designate’ and the men were sentenced last week at the High Court in Edinburgh.
Senior investigating officer for Operation Designate, Detective Inspector Ross Black of Ayrshire Police Division, said: “McGurk, from Liverpool, and Dewhurst, from Kilmarnock, were arrested in October 2019 following a significant policing operation.
“Operation Designate was launched in 2019 to specifically focus on organised crime.
“We worked to dismantle this well established group who were intent on distributing class A drugs including cocaine, crack cocaine and heroin worth in excess of £500,000 throughout Ayrshire and profiting from the misery they cause to our local communities.
“I hope their sentencing sends a clear message to anyone who is involved in the supply of drugs and that those involved in serious and organised crime will be identified, targeted and brought to justice.”
He added: “The public play a vital role in assisting us in the reporting of drug crime and we appreciate any help they can give.
“If you have any concerns about this type of criminality in your area please contact 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, where anonymity can be maintained.”
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