Charlie Savage, the leader of a major organised crime syndicate responsible for distributing over 188kg of cocaine, has been sentenced to 12 years in prison. The 27-year-old from Frome was convicted of drug supply and money laundering offences following a detailed investigation by Wiltshire Police.
Savage’s meticulous record-keeping was instrumental in exposing the full extent of the operation. Police seized his detailed notes, which allowed them to identify and arrest over 30 individuals connected to the criminal network, including customers, couriers, money launderers, and suppliers.
During his arrest on April 28, 2025, in Knightsbridge, London, police found Savage carrying a rucksack containing more than £65,000 in cash. Alongside him, 22-year-old Shay Girvan, a key lieutenant involved in transporting large quantities of cocaine, cannabis, and cash, received a nine-year prison sentence for his role in the syndicate.
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Detective Constable Jared Yalden from Wiltshire Police’s Serious and Organised Crime Unit remarked that Savage operated at a sophisticated level for someone his age but that his youth also showed a degree of naivety. The extensive records that Savage maintained ultimately became the syndicate’s undoing.
Both Savage and Girvan will face proceeds of crime orders, targeting their assets for confiscation. Additionally, Savage will be subject to a Serious Crime Prevention Order upon his release, aimed at curbing future criminal activities.
Deputy SIO Detective Sergeant Richard Nelsen emphasized the importance of community vigilance in tackling organised crime, stating police will act decisively against those who break the law and live beyond their means.