Elaine Helguson, 59, ran a drug dealing operation from a rented home in Birkett Street, King's Lynn, which was described in court as the town's equivalent to “superdrug”. She shared the home with her partner 60-year-old Edwin Tagg, who helped in the operation by answering the phone and door to door callers.
Nick Methold prosecuting at Norwich Crown Court said, when police raided the address they found a large quantity of drugs including £3,100 worth of cocaine, ecstasy worth £4,000, £3,700 of cannabis and £612 worth of amphetamines. He said there were also £7,900 in cash. Mr Methold said that it was like the King's Lynn superdrug equivalent.
He said despite the couple living on benefits the money they made from drugs gave them a “very nice lifestyle”. He said Helguson had recently bought herself some jewellery and the couple had two BMW cars, a new 50 inch widescreen TV worth £2,500, as well as regular holidays. He said they also had savings of £16,000 in bank accounts as they had been able to save all their benefits which had been paid into Helguson's account.
Mr Methold said although Helguson had been the prime mover, Tag had helped her in the operation.
Helguson admitted possessing the drugs with intent to supply and being concerned in the supply of drugs. Tag admitted being concerned in the supply of drugs and possession of criminal property.
Helguson was jailed for eight years and Tag for five and a half years.
Sentencing him recorder Guy Ayers told them: “You were both involved in a very significant supply of class A and B drugs in the King's Lynn area. It's abundantly clear for about two years you were very significant dealers in these drugs and did so for the basic reasons of greed.”
He said they had made so much out of the misery of others they have been able to save cash from their benefits.
“You could live a life of relative luxury for money you were earning from selling drugs.”
He said Helguson was more involved and had a previous conviction for possessing drugs with intent to supply.
He added: “It's most unusual for someone of your sex and age to be here for such a serious offence.”
He adjourned a confiscation hearing of the couple's assets until February 15.
Neil Guest for Helguson said she realised there was no alternative but custody. He said: “She is a lady of nearly 60 and has limited previous convictions.”
Philip Levy for Tag said that he had played a lesser role than his partner.
“He was in a position where he should have been a stronger character
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