William Free, the ringleader of a major organised crime group responsible for distributing multi-kilo quantities of drugs across the South West, has received an additional six-year prison sentence. This extension was imposed after he admitted to continuing drug supply activities while released under police investigation.
Free, 30, formerly of Bossington Drive, Taunton, was already serving an 11-year sentence for conspiracy to supply cocaine. On December 17, Taunton Crown Court ordered the extra six years to run consecutively after Free pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply Class A and B drugs, including cocaine, ketamine, and cannabis.
The South West Regional Organised Crime Unit (SWROCU) led the investigation that brought Free to police attention in March 2022, initially through his link to Anthony Cunningham, 32, from Birmingham. Cunningham, a recognized drug courier, was involved in transporting cocaine, ketamine, and cannabis from the Midlands into the South West and is currently serving five and a half years for related offences. He also received an additional nine-month sentence for his role in Free’s operation.
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Key evidence included observed exchanges in Taunton where Free was seen transferring large amounts of drugs to Cunningham. In one instance, police stopped Cunningham’s vehicle on the M5 in South Gloucestershire, discovering two large black refuse sacks containing £264,625 in cash, along with another £39,855 hidden behind the driver’s seat.
Further investigation revealed that Free and his associates sourced cannabis from an organised crime group in Essex and conspired to supply around 58kg of cocaine, 35kg of cannabis, and 45kg of ketamine between March and December 2022. During this period, approximately £16 million in cash was moved in connection with their activities.
Three of Free’s associates have also faced justice: Stuart Davey, 44, served as a courier collecting and delivering cocaine and ketamine, receiving a three-year, nine-month sentence after pleading guilty. Wayne Smith, 36, involved in purchasing and supplying cannabis and ketamine, was handed an 18-month suspended sentence, alongside community service and a rehabilitation order. Kataldo Mulaj, 33, acted as a courier for an Essex organised crime group supplying cannabis to Free and Smith; he received a community order and unpaid work.
Detective Chief Inspector Adam Smith of SWROCU emphasized the commitment to dismantling serious criminal networks, stating, “William Free played a leading role in sourcing wholesale quantities of cocaine and ketamine from organised crime groups in the Midlands, and cannabis from an Essex group, distributing harmful drugs across the South West. Our efforts will continue to disrupt and prosecute those fueling drug supply chains that cause devastating damage to our communities.”
Members of the public with information about drug activity in their areas are encouraged to contact their local police or call Crimestoppers anonymously at 0800 555 111.