In a significant victory for law enforcement, the ringleader of an organised crime group, along with his accomplices, has been handed a combined sentence of over 30 years in prison. This outcome comes after a meticulous five-year investigation carried out by the Sheffield Fortify Team, who have successfully brought down prolific drug dealers and their criminal associates.
The operation took a major turn in March 2019 when messages between 29-year-old Jesiah Galloway and his girlfriend uncovered his audacious drug dealing activities even while behind bars. Galloway was found to be running his drug empire from prison, a shocking revelation that revealed the extent of his disregard for the justice system.
Two of Galloway’s runners, Doyle James, 31, and Curtis Woodhead, 24, were involved in a fail-to-stop incident with roads policing officers in January 2019. Woodhead was caught in possession of Class A drugs, and additional drugs were discovered in the vicinity of their attempted escape. Forensic tests on the crack cocaine and heroin revealed Galloway’s DNA, linking him, James, and Woodhead to the same drug operation.
Throughout 2019, Galloway and James faced further arrests, with controlled drugs and incriminating messages connecting them to drug supply being seized. The investigation began to unveil the intricate network of drug distribution within the city, leading officers to identify Galloway’s supplier, 29-year-old Kingsley Scott. Scott unwittingly exposed himself and his drugs to the authorities during a text message argument with Galloway.
In 2020, Scott sold Galloway 250g of cocaine. However, Galloway soon realised that the drugs were of substandard quality when his attempt to convert the cocaine into crack cocaine failed. Fearing the loss of his profits and the inability to meet the demands of his customer base, Galloway engaged in a heated exchange with Scott via text messages. These messages ultimately led to Scott’s arrest in December 2021. During a search of Scott’s residence, officers discovered cocaine, a substantial sum of money, valuable jewellery, and other items indicating a lifestyle that far exceeded what an “unemployed” man could afford.
While Galloway was arrested and remanded in January 2022, Scott was released on bail by the courts. Undeterred, Galloway continued to run his drug line until it was eventually intercepted by the police. Fearing apprehension, those associated with the operation changed their phone numbers. However, through meticulous analysis, officers managed to apprehend Galloway, his trusted associate Idris Anderson, 22, and their driver and fellow drug dealer, Raja Khan, 50.
It was revealed that between May 2022 and January 2023, Galloway and his accomplices supplied approximately 8kg of crack cocaine and heroin, amassing profits of over £800,000. Their illicit activities spanned three consecutive dedicated drug lines. Upon their arrest, Galloway and Anderson were found to be in possession of significant amounts of cash. Anderson also had versions of the latest drug line used by the group.
Detective Sergeant Jim Dyson expressed his satisfaction with the outcome, stating, “This has been a lengthy operation, but officers’ determination has paid off, and those involved now face time in prison.” He emphasised the detrimental impact of drugs on communities, highlighting the health risks faced by users and the direct link between drug sales profits and violent crimes such as knife and gun violence.
The following individuals appeared before Sheffield Crown Court on Monday, October 9:
– Jesiah Galloway, of Harcourt Road, Sheffield, was charged with various offences including conspiracy to supply Class A drugs, bringing prohibited items into prison, and possession of criminal property. He was sentenced to 12 years in prison.
– Doyle James, of no fixed abode, was charged with conspiracy to supply Class A drugs. He received a sentence of three years and nine months in prison.
– Curtis Woodhead, of Durlstone Crescent, Sheffield, was charged with possession with intent to supply Class A drugs. He received a suspended sentence of 21 months, valid for two years.
– Kingsley Scott, of Alport Grove, Sheffield, was charged with conspiracy to supply Class A drugs, possession with intent to supply Class A drugs, and possession of criminal property. He received a sentence of three years and nine months in prison.
– Idris Anderson, of Ingram Road, Sheffield, was charged with conspiracy to supply Class A drugs and possession of criminal property. He was sentenced to seven years and six months in prison.
– Raja Khan, of Birchwood Gardens, Sheffield, was charged with involvement in the supply of Class A drugs. He received a sentence of five years and seven months in prison.
