Heavily armed Bristol drug gang made almost £1m a week
Officers who attended Flat 7, 79 Highridge Green, Highridge, in June last year found the place in a shambles and discovered a 10-tonne press, white powder and cutting agents as well as an "arsenal" of weapons including rifles, handguns and stun grenades, as well as ammunition, Bristol Crown Court was told.
It is claimed a gang moved in to corner the Bristol market when other drug dealers were convicted and sent to jail.
James Waithe, aged 47, pleads not guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine as well as possession of firearms to endanger life, and simple possession of firearms and explosives.
Robert Brooks, 63, of no fixed address, has pleaded guilty to the drugs conspiracy – along with three other men – but denies the firearms charges.
Stephen Mooney, prosecuting, told the jury the operation was not a cottage industry but on an "industrial scale" and worth millions.
He said a kilo of pure cocaine would be bought for about £33,000 which, when cut with caffeine or other agents, could be sold on for huge profit.
Mr Mooney said it was the Crown's case that the flat was the home of judo expert Waithe, the police having found a freshly laundered judo suit in the washing machine as well as awards and documents relating to him.
When questioned, Waithe said he rented it out to a man called Grant Richmond but gave "no comment" answers when interviewed. Mr Mooney said police arrested Richmond and he admitted his involvement in the operation; when he contacted Brooks police established Brooks' involvement.
Brooks, who was jailed for four-and-a-half-years in July last year for possession with intent to supply heroin and crack cocaine after drug seizures in Weson-super-Mare, admitted handling a rifle and taking bullets from a box but denied ever entering the Highridge Green flat.
It is the Crown's case that Waithe provided the flat and acted as an enforcer and quartermaster.
A man called Craig Rodel, who had links to the flat and had cutting agents at his rented flat in Totterdown, has admitted his part in the operation.
The jury heard that Richmond, having pleaded guilty, was prepared to give evidence on behalf of the Crown about his knowledge of the operation and who was involved.
Mr Mooney said: "All of these were very significant drug dealers in the Bristol area.
"The Pearces were all convicted of conspiracy to supply cocaine.
"In 2007 Justin received a 20-year prison sentence for a number of conspiracies to supply cocaine and also jailed were Philip and Jamie."
It is claimed the removal of the Pearces was a business opportunity which Rodel and his fellow drug dealers exploited, and on Sundays they would count their profits.
Mr Mooney said: "The amounts counted are mind-boggling. Sometimes it would be £600,000 to £900,000 per week."
He said Rodel would buy small items of great value to hide the money.
"On one occasion he went to a local garage armed with cash and bought two high-value Mercedes."
Mr Mooney said Rodel would also sort out problems, and on one occasion tasked Richmond and another conspirator to fire shots at a Hartcliffe home where children were present.
Mr Mooney told the jury: "He was to say, 'Leave it until late, make sure the lights are out as there are kids in the property… put one in the door and one in the window'. This, of course, is Bristol and not prohibition-era Chicago and one would find it difficult to believe that such an order could be given." The case continues at Bristol Crown Court.
