Prisoner Managed Drug Operation from Jail
A convicted gun criminal has been given a further prison sentence after police found he was helping run a cocaine supply operation in west Cumbria from behind bars.
Curtis Kirkbride, 36, of no fixed address, was sentenced at Carlisle Crown Court on May 1 to seven years and two months for conspiracy to supply cocaine. He was one of four people jailed for drug supply offences linked to west Cumbria. All four had pleaded guilty.
Cumbria Police said Kirkbride was already in prison when officers established he was working with Alisia Cameron to supply cocaine. A total of six phones were seized from Kirkbride’s single-occupant cell, with evidence showing his role and helping identify other dealers in west Cumbria.
Four People Jailed at Carlisle Crown Court
The four defendants were sentenced at Carlisle Crown Court following a police investigation into drug supply in west Cumbria.
The sentences were:
| Defendant | Details | Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Curtis Kirkbride | 36, of no fixed address | 7 years 2 months |
| Alisia Cameron | 29, of Cross Street, Workington | 4 years 4 months |
| Stephanie Moffatt | 34, of Calder Crescent, Cleator Moor | 4 years |
| Bradley Dryden | 28, of Castlerigg Close, Whitehaven | 4 years 4 months |
Kirkbride, Cameron and Moffatt were sentenced for conspiracy to supply cocaine. Dryden was sentenced for conspiracy to supply cocaine, being concerned in the supply of cocaine, and being concerned in the supply of ketamine.
Police Raid Uncovered Drugs Evidence
The investigation began after officers carried out a warrant at an address on Cambridge Road, Whitehaven, on September 22, 2022.
At the time, the property was the home address of Cameron and Moffatt. Officers found a small amount of cocaine, scales, snap bags and mobile phones.
Police later examined the phones and found evidence that Cameron and Moffatt were working together to supply cocaine.
Kirkbride Linked to Supply Operation From Prison
As the investigation continued, officers established that Kirkbride, who was already in prison, was working with Cameron to supply cocaine.
Police said six phones were seized from Kirkbride’s sole-occupant cell. The phones provided evidence of his role in the operation and helped identify Dryden and Cameron as dealers in west Cumbria.
The case highlights how organised drug supply can continue even when key individuals are already in custody.
Dryden Arrested After Phone Evidence
Officers also arrested Bradley Dryden during the investigation.
Police found cocaine in his bedroom, along with two mobile phones. Examination of the phones showed he was heavily involved in the supply of cocaine and ketamine.
Financial information and messages directing payments were also recovered. Police said these showed a significant number of third-party payments which could be linked to drug purchases.
Kirkbride Previously Jailed Over Whitehaven Drive-By Shooting
Kirkbride had previously been jailed for eight years after a drive-by shooting in Whitehaven.
In 2018, Carlisle Crown Court heard he fired a sawn-off shotgun into a Land Rover windscreen on Windermere Road in Whitehaven in September 2017. He was sentenced for having a firearm with intent to commit an indictable offence.
At that earlier sentencing, the judge imposed an eight-year jail term with an extended three-year licence period and deemed Kirkbride a dangerous offender.
Police Say Drug Dealers Exploit Communities
A spokesperson for Cumbria Police’s Serious Organised Crime Unit said the force remains committed to targeting and disrupting those involved in drug supply.
The spokesperson said people involved in drug supply exploit communities and vulnerable individuals for their own gain. Police also said public reports remain a key way of helping officers stop criminal activity.
Anyone with information about drug dealing can contact Cumbria Police online or by calling 101. Information can also be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
