Six crooks have been jailed for almost 40 years combined following the bust of a huge cocaine trafficking operation across North Devon. The gang flooded local streets with millions of pounds worth of Class A drugs, prompting a major police crackdown known as Operation Haku.
The organised crime network extended from North Devon through West Yorkshire to Merseyside. Couriers regularly travelled to Liverpool to collect kilos of cocaine before sending the drugs back to Devon for street-level distribution.
Inside the cocaine network: Who did what?
Christopher Harper, 46, from Goole, was identified as the mastermind organiser. Stephen Reid, 52, from Liverpool, acted as co-organiser. Paige Kightley, 31, from Bideford, served as the North Devon regional boss. Neil Warren, 49, from Ilfracombe, worked as a courier. Karl Aldridge, 38, from Barnstaple, dealt drugs at street level. Ezra Walker, 40, from Manchester, was both a supplier and courier.
Detectives uncovered 17 separate drug runs with a combined street value of approximately £4 million.
How police cracked the ring wide open
Police first apprehended Ezra Walker on November 5, 2024, as he travelled to Barnstaple with cocaine hidden in his car. A search of Karl Aldridge’s home uncovered drugs, dealer scales, cash, and lists naming customers. Courier Neil Warren was arrested on December 12, 2024, found carrying 3kg of cocaine worth £240,000. CCTV footage showed him meeting Christopher Harper at a Premier Inn after collecting the haul in Liverpool.
Harper and Reid controlled the entire operation using mobile phones, tracking their couriers’ exact locations and providing step-by-step instructions.
Justice served as gang members handed hefty sentences
All six pleaded guilty at Exeter Crown Court and received lengthy prison sentences:
- Christopher Harper: 10 years 5 months
- Stephen Reid: 7 years 5 months
- Paige Kightley: 5 years 7 months
- Neil Warren: 4 years
- Karl Aldridge: 5 years 4 months
- Ezra Walker: 5 years 4 months
The Devon & Cornwall Police Serious & Organised Crime Team praised the takedown as a significant victory against drug supply in the South West.
Originally published by UKNIP.
