Drug dealer jailed after telling police to 'prove it' in interview - so they did

Cleveland Police secured sentences of almost 50 years in total for the six members of the gang, who sold drugs in the Redcar area.

The gang helped run two lines which were used to advertise deals of heroin, cocaine, crack cocaine and zopiclone tablets.

Their network unravelled after one of the men crashed his car and officers seized drugs from him.

The rest of the gang were arrested in September 2024 as part of a special operation and led to a three-month investigation by the force’s dedicated drugs unit.

Officers investigated the mobile phone of Bradley Clough and used photos and a rap song he had written about drugs to prove his involvement in the gang after he challenged detectives during his interview.

Clough, 25, was jailed for 15 years while Callum Quinn, 26, was sentenced to 11 years, Phillip Perdomo, 44, was sentenced to five years, Elise Stephenson, 25, was sentenced to seven years and Louise Goupillot, 43, was sentenced to five years for drugs conspiracy.

Michael Tait, 51, was also sentenced to three and half years for possession with intent to supply Class A drugs.

Detective Sergeant, Collingwood from the Dedicated Drugs Unit said: “Clough was the main ringleader of the group and set the drugs line up when he was released from prison last year.

“He ran the operation but didn’t go near the drugs. He let the others do his dirty work.

“More than seven kilograms of drugs were distributed in the Redcar and Cleveland area by the group and their drug dealing only came to light when Perdomo crashed his vehicle one night and officers seized a quantity of class A drugs from him.

“An investigation began and each of their homes were successfully raided as part of Operation Artemis.

“Crucial evidence taken from Clough’s phone included photos of him holding large amounts of cash, incriminating messages relating to the supply of drugs and even a rap song he had made about his drug dealing antics.

“Hopefully Clough’s time in prison will inspire further raps about what it’s like to spend time behind bars. We are pleased with the success of this investigation; taking drugs off the streets and five people in prison paying for their crimes.”