DRUG lords who were part of an organised crime gang have been slammed behind bars for a total of more than 14 years for peddling cocaine in south Essex.

William Innes, Callum Parkinson, Wade Bush, Joseph Balderassa and Hayden Chase have been jailed after a hearing at Basildon Crown Court.

The gang, responsible for the distribution of Class A drugs, were arrested by Essex Police following a series of raids at their homes between March and May last year.

It followed an investigation that was launched in October 2021 by the force’s disruptor team, which was able to establish there was a drugs network and a hierarchy.

William Innes (Image: Police)

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

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

The police dismantled the gang after gathering CCTV evidence and carrying out forensic phone work, which recovered proof of orders for large amounts of cocaine.

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.

Joseph Balderassa (Image: Police)

PC Louise Pendrigh, from the south Essex 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.”

Hayden Case (Image: Essex Police)

Prior to being sent down, all five of the gang were charged with a wrap list of offences.

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.

Callum Parkinson (Image: Essex Police)

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.

Bush, 27, of Tintern Avenue, Westcliff, was convicted of conspiracy to supply cocaine and given a two year sentence suspended for two years.