Trio jailed after supplying 27kg of drugs in Weston-super-Mare

They brought misery to the streets

Two men and one woman have been jailed for their key roles in the supply of 27kg of cocaine and cannabis in Weston-super-Mare over just a three-month period. Kieran Smith and Fraser McLeish, both 37, and 39-year-old Samantha Haskins, who all live in the Somerset town, flooded the town with drugs between April and June 2020.

Encrypted messaging network EncroChat was used to organise the collection and distribution of 20kg of cannabis and 7kg of cocaine across Weston-super-Mare. Evidence was also uncovered that the group had made payments totalling more than £350,000.

Smith collected and supplied the drugs before handing the money he collected to McLeish, who stored the cash at his home and used it to pay couriers. Haskins also stored and prepared drugs at her home.

Haskins and McLeish were both arrested in June 2021, and 5kg of cocaine was recovered from Haskins' address in a subsequent search. Evidence was also found of cocaine with a total street value of up to £1.3m having passed through her home.

Smith was arrested in January 2022. They were all charged with conspiracy to supply class A drugs (cocaine). McLeish was also charged with conspiracy to supply class B drugs (cannabis), and conspiracy to transfer criminal property.

Meanwhile, Smith was charged with conspiracy to transfer criminal property, and Haskins was charged with being concerned in the supply of class A drugs (cocaine), and possession with intent to supply class A drugs (cocaine).

A two-week trial was due to begin on June 24, 2024. However, Haskins pleaded guilty early in the court process and was sentenced in August. McLeish and Smith were both sentenced today, Thursday, October 10. Smith pleaded guilty to all charges on the second day of the trial.

McLeish pleaded guilty to the charges relating to money laundering and conspiracy to supply class B cannabis, but was found not guilty by a jury of conspiracy to supply class A drugs (cocaine) in June.

Smith, of Ullswater Close, received the longest sentence, of eight years and four months. Haskins, of Worlebury Hill Road, was sentenced to five years and 10 months, and McLeish, of Mendip Rise, received three years for his involvement.

Detective Chief Inspector Ben Lavender, of Avon and Somerset Police, said: "Drugs cause immense harm to our communities, particularly the most vulnerable, and we are committed to protecting them.

"McLeish, Smith, and Haskins believed they could get away with their offending by using encrypted communications, but following a complex investigation we've now been able to bring them to justice. These sentences send a strong message: we will not tolerate the supply of illegal drugs in Avon and Somerset. If you suspect someone is dealing drugs, you can report it to us by calling 101, or online here."