Man jailed in £235,000 drug investigation

A man has been jailed for his role in supplying Class A drugs across north Essex thanks to the work of specialist officers in our serious and organised crime unit.

Jack Jacovou was arrested as part of an intelligence-led operation shortly before Christmas 2021.

Officers executed a warrant in Whitehall Close, Colchester, shortly after 7am on 23 December 2021.

During a search of the property, officers found a bag for life containing four blocks of powder cocaine inside an ottoman. In total, the blocks contained 3.5kg of cocaine.

A second warrant was then executed in Thorpe Road, Kirby Cross during which officers found 2.8kg of cannabis.

As part of our investigation into Jacovou, we seized a total of £234,900 worth of drugs.

Jacovou, 41, of Thorpe Road, Kirby Cross, was subsequently charged with possession with intent to supply Cocaine, possession with intent to supply cannabis and being concerned in the supply of cocaine.

He admitted all counts and was sentenced on Wednesday 3 May, at Chelmsford Crown Court.

In total, he was sentenced to six and half years in prison.

An application for a serious crime prevention order will be heard at a later date.

'Jacovou was playing a significant part in drug supply'

Detective Inspector Frazer Low, of our serious and organised crime unit, said:

“There is no doubt that Jacovou was playing a significant part in the supply of Class A drugs across north Essex.
“The drugs that we seized during this operation were destined for our streets, where they would undoubtedly exploit people and cause harm to our communities.
“The work of the team in this investigation was exemplary, from identifying Jacovou, to building a case against that was so strong he was left with no alternative but to admit his guilt.
“We will also be pursuing a serious crime prevention order which we believe will put barriers up to a return to a criminal lifestyle when he leaves prison. We’ll be working very closely with the CPS in order to secure the order and some really strong conditions within it.”

Chief Inspector Colin Cox, Colchester district commander, said:

“We know the sale and supply of drugs has a real impact on our communities, both in terms of vulnerable people being exploited and the serious violence which very sadly often goes alongside.
“Tackling criminals causing the high harm is an absolute priority for the force and I have no doubt that Colchester is a safer place now that Jacovou is in prison.”