THE impact of an intense operation to tear apart crime networks peddling drugs from neighbouring towns and cities into Barnsley in order to bring dealers to justice has been hailed as a success - just a year after the crackdown began.

Since May 2023, dozens have been arrested on suspicion of supplying drugs, with warrants executed and illegal substances such as heroin and cocaine seized and destroyed by officers working in the ‘Operation Dream Alpha’ scheme.

Three people have already been given long jail terms for offending, while another is awaiting sentencing.

Stan Bentley, 25, of Stuart Street, Thurnscoe, was working as a dealer for the ‘Bolton Line’ and was caught supplying drugs last year.

He was given a two-year sentence for supplying cocaine in June 2023 and an additional three-and-a-half year sentence for being concerned in the supply of cocaine between 2019 and 2022.

Darcy Joseph, of Lundhill Grove, Barnsley, pleaded guilty to two counts of supplying a Class A drug but is awaiting sentencing.

The 23-year-old is due to appear at Sheffield Crown Court today.

Inspector Adrian Luscombe, from South Yorkshire Police, said: “We knew that drugs were being sold and we knew that a meticulously-planned operation was needed to root out the suppliers and stop them from returning to the area.

“I’ve been doing this job for 20 years and in that time I’ve never been involved in a police operation that’s had a more significant impact as this one - that is testament to the hard work that has gone into bringing these criminals to justice.

“Every drug deal happening on our streets was funding the activities of organised crime groups (OCGs) so by wiping out the suppliers, you disrupt their operations.”

More than 40 other convictions have occurred as a result of the operation across South Yorkshire, with the majority being in the Balby area of Doncaster.

One prolific gang member, Jamie Bermingham - whose drug dealing ravaged Dearne Valley communities - was also jailed after he was found to be using an encrypted messaging platform to distribute heroin and cocaine.

Detectives identified Bermingham - who has long-standing ties with organised crime groups peddling drugs in communities such as Bolton-upon-Dearne and Mexborough - from the encrypted data on his device, which led to him being caught for the part he played in distributing drugs via a secret network.

Photographs recovered from his device also showed quantities of controlled Class A and B drugs.

Bermingham pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of the Class A drugs cocaine and heroin and the Class B drug cannabis and was sentenced to 12 years in prison.

Another ‘prolific’ member of a gang - Jahmaine Watson - was also jailed after his DNA was found on the trigger of a loaded gun.

The revolver and a pistol, along with rounds of ammunition, were seized following a warrant executed under Section 32 of the Misuse of Drugs Act.

The two loaded firearms were found concealed in a cupboard in a property’s hallway along with a quantity of drugs.

Watson, originally from Denaby, was part of an OCG called the Pitsmoor Shotta Boys, whose members were behind drug dealing in areas such as Bolton-upon-Dearne and Goldthorpe according to police.

He was jailed for seven years and two months.

An OCG-related meeting is now held each month with lead officers and staff from the town’s neighbourhood hubs based in the town centre, Cudworth, Penistone, Royston, Hoyland and Goldthorpe.

Inspector Luscombe added: “We have made significant strides in tearing apart their operations and I hope the people can share our relief.

“Drugs and weapon supplies along with violence and antisocial behaviour are all linked to OCGs and this behaviour had previously wreaked misery and havoc on the community.

“We are building more and more intelligence on these groups and the criminals associated with them.

“We have enquiries and lengthy investigations ongoing and we remain determined to dismantle these groups and stop them from inflicting any more harm on our communities.”

A spokesperson from the National Crime Agency (NCA) said drug-peddling criminals’ behaviour won’t be tolerated.

“Organised crime groups rely on people to move their product and money around.

“Serious organised crime is complex but an unparalleled victory has been achieved against the kingpin criminals whose criminal activity and violence intimidates and exploits the most vulnerable.

“By dismantling these groups, countless lives have been saved and communities have been protected.

“Hopefully this sends a clear message to the public of the determination to rid communities of this sort of criminalisation.”

* If you are worried about drug-related crime in your area, or if you think someone may be a victim of drug exploitation, call police on 101 or 999 in an emergency. You can also contact Crimestoppers for free on 0800 555 111, or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.