More than two years in jail for Swindon drug dealer

A Swindon man has been jailed for more than two years after being convicted of dealing crack cocaine.

Aaron Rogan, 23, currently of Portman Road, Melksham, but who had been living in Swindon when the offences were committed, was sentenced yesterday - 28 March - at Swindon Crown Court.

He was jailed for 26 months after previously pleading guilty to being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs.

Officers from Wiltshire Police’s Fortitude team had been investigating Rogan as part of their enquiries into the Star drugs line.

Last October, as part of a wave of police activity called Operation Accentor, a warrant was executed at his then home address in Bourne Road, Moredon.

During the search of the property, officers seized a mobile phone which proved he was running the Star drugs line, advertising the sale of Class A drugs to large groups of vulnerable drug users.

Evidence showed that he was sending bulk text messages to between 54 and 122 different numbers, up to three times a day.

Fortitude Investigator James Purcell said: “Operation Accentor was co-ordinated police activity which took place back in October and targeted those we believed to be involved in the supply and sale of Class A drugs in Swindon.

“Rogan was one of those we were investigating and our search warrant at his property allowed us to prove that he was in possession of the mobile phone linked to the Star drugs line, and subsequently the person responsible for selling crack cocaine to drugs users.

“The impact of Class A drug dealing is well known – it causes harm to our communities. Not only through the crimes associated with those who are battling addiction, but also violence, exploitation and anti-social behaviour, which has a huge knock-on impact for those living in the town.

“The work of the Fortitude team demonstrates our commitment to cracking down on this criminality and cases like this one highlight our determination to get drug dealers off our streets and ensure they face justice.”

Anybody with concerns about drug dealing in their community is asked to report it to the police or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.