South Essex: Four jailed as drug gang dismantled

Four men have been jailed for a total of more than 14 years for their roles in an organised crime group responsible for selling Class A drugs in south Essex thanks to work by our Disruptor Team.

The investigation into the group started in October 2021 and through their enquiries, officers were able to link together the network.

William Innes oversaw the group, while Callum Parkinson and Wade Bush were in charge of one of the group’s drug lines.

Joseph Balderassa organised and arranged drivers and drug deals alongside Hayden Case who also directed lower members of the group.

Through their enquiries officers were able to establish links between the group, including through CCTV and forensic phone work, identify the hierarchy, and which member served which role.

The phone work also showed evidence of production orders for a large amount of cocaine supply.

Some messages also showed requests for updates about how much money had been made and the quantity of drugs sold by lower members of the group.

Officers started dismantling the group through a series of warrants executed at their homes between March and May last year.

All five were charged and later convicted.

At Basildon Crown Court on 27 January they were sentenced.

• Innnes, 30, of Jetty Mews, Southend was convicted of conspiracy to supply cocaine, possession with intent to supply cocaine, two counts of possession of a knife or blade, possession of an offensive weapon in public, possession of an offensive weapon in private, and two counts of possession of a Class B drugs, and jailed for five years and eight months;
• Case, 25, of Queen Annes Grove, Hullbridge was convicted of conspiracy to supply cocaine and breaching a suspended sentence order and sentenced to three years and 10 months;
• Baldassarra, 29, of Coronation Close, Great Wakering was convicted of conspiracy to supply cocaine given two years and four months in prison;
• Parkinson, 24, of Thorney Bay Road, Canvey Island was convicted of conspiracy to supply cocaine and possession of a Class B drugs, and was jailed for two years and four months.

Twenty-seven year-old Bush, of Tintern Avenue, Westcliff, was convicted of conspiracy to supply cocaine and given a two year sentence suspended for two years.

PC Louise Pendrigh, from the South Disruptor Team, said:

“Drugs are a poison which ruin lives and destroy communities.
“This group, with William Innes at its head, was responsible for the supply of a significant amount of Class A drugs into south Essex.
“Our work to take this group down has struck a significant to organised crime and the organised sale of drugs in the south of the county.
“Our message is clear – you cannot deal drugs in Essex. If you do, we’ll identify you, we’ll arrest you, and we will bring you to justice.
“This work continues every day as we make Essex an even safer place for law abiding residents.”