Gang behind 'dangerous and well-established' drug network supplying Class A drugs across Northamptonshire sentenced
A major drugs supply network has been busted by police following a series of coordinated warrants, arrests and forensic breakthroughs under Operation Viral - a lengthy investigation targeting the organised supply of Class A and B drugs across Northamptonshire.
The operation, led by detectives from Northants Police’s criminal investigation department (CID) and assisted by the Proactive Crime and Intelligence Department and Economic Crime Unit has brought six people to justice, including the network’s ringleader, Thomas Aughey, and his partner Jade Lawless, who jointly ran a lucrative drugs enterprise operating from multiple addresses in Northamptonshire.
Over the course of the investigation, officers uncovered an extensive operation involving multiple stash houses, dedicated dealing lines, firearms, weapons, large volumes of drugs and tens of thousands of pounds in illicit cash.
The network was structured with Aughey at the top, supplying bulk quantities of cocaine and cannabis to trusted associates who then redistributed it to their own customer bases.
As part of the investigation, officers conducted warrants at a number of properties, which revealed:
- Significant quantities of cocaine and cannabis packaged for onward supply
- Weapons including a shotgun, dart gun, taser-style device, knives and machetes
- Large cash seizures totalling more than £28,000
- Key fingerprints on drug dealing paraphernalia and packaging
- High‑end vehicles, holidays and luxury goods funded entirely by criminal income
- Extensive phone evidence linking each suspect to the supply chain
A number of arrests were made and six people were charged, convicted and sentenced for their part in the conspiracy at Northampton Crown Court last month (March 16).
They were:
Thomas Aughey, 43, previously of Wellingborough – Principal supplier and organiser, managing bulk stock and financial flows. He pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply Class A and B drugs. Sentenced to seven years in prison.
Jade Lawless, 35, previously of Brixworth – Co‑principal, actively weighing, delivering, and distributing drugs while managing customer contacts and payments. She pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply Class A and B drugs. Sentenced to three years and four months in prison.
Steven Connelly, 39, previously of Wellingborough - Trusted associate who stored drugs, accessed stash properties, and supplied his own customers. He pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply Class A and B drugs and possessing a firearm without a certificate. Sentenced to four years and four months in prison.
Ian Vanbeck, 39, previously of Great Doddington - Mid‑level dealer supplied directly by Aughey, running his own customer base using drop‑offs and letterbox collections. He pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply Class A and B drugs and possessing a firearm without a certificate. Sentenced to eight years and six months in prison.
Terry Stock, 43, previously of Great Doddington – Street‑level dealer working under Vanbeck, distributing drugs, and returning proceeds up the chain. He pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply Class A drugs and possessing a firearm without a certificate. Sentenced to four years and six months in prison.
Kelsey Vanbeck‑Smith, 35, previously of Great Doddington - Facilitator, coordinating customer messages and payments and supporting Vanbeck’s activity. He pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply Class B drugs. Sentenced to eight months in prison, suspended for 18 months.
Lead investigator Detective Sergeant Amelia Thompson said: “Bringing these six individuals to justice marks the dismantling of a dangerous and well‑established drug network operating across Northamptonshire.
“Their criminal enterprise caused significant harm in our communities and this outcome reflects the dedication, persistence, and professionalism of every officer and staff member involved in Operation Viral.
"We are proud to have disrupted this organised group and protected the public from further harm.
“Northamptonshire Police remains committed to pursuing organised crime groups who seek to profit from addiction, exploitation and violence.
"The force will now continue to progress asset recovery under the Proceeds of Crime Act to ensure the group cannot benefit from the wealth they amassed through their criminality.”