Ryan Mountford, a 23-year-old prisoner who orchestrated a sophisticated drug supply network from his cell, has been sentenced to six years and four months in prison. Mountford admitted conspiracy to supply crack cocaine and heroin, as well as assaulting an emergency worker by spitting at a police officer while in custody.
Operation from prison cell
In October 2021, while already serving a prison sentence, Mountford used illicit phones inside the prison to direct associates in the preparation, weighing, and pricing of crack cocaine and heroin. The operation targeted the Blurton area of Staffordshire.
Police raids uncover drugs and cash
Staffordshire Police raided several addresses in Blurton in February 2022. Officers seized a plastic bag containing 12 deals of heroin, a safe with over £10,000 in cash, plastic wrap containing crack cocaine, and a 'tick list' of local buyers.
Arrest and assault
Mountford was released from prison during the investigation. He was later tracked down in Cumbria and arrested. While in custody, he spat at an officer, leading to the assault charge.
Court sentencing
At Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court on July 1, Mountford, of no fixed address, was sentenced to six years and four months for conspiracy to supply crack cocaine, heroin, and assault by beating of an emergency worker.
Police comment
Detective Sergeant Marc Proctor of Staffordshire Police stated: “We’re pleased a large amount of drugs have been taken off the streets through our proactive work to take down this drug line. Mountford has been a blight on local communities and we have been working hard to put a stop to his offending. We want to reassure the community that we are committed to actioning their concerns as robustly as possible and supporting those who are coerced into drug supply by organised crime groups like this one.”
Police continue to work with partners to target drug supply in Staffordshire.
