Five men sentenced for almost 30 years over £420,000 drugs operation in Pontefract

Five men have been sentenced for their involvement in a £420,000 drugs operation supplying cocaine, crack cocaine, amphetamine, cannabis and ketamine in the Pontefract area.

Officers from Wakefield District launched an investigation after discovering evidence of drug dealing on a mobile phone linked to Kyle Bates, which was found in a car belonging to Alan Tonks.

In March 2026, police executed search warrants at several properties connected to the operation in and around Pontefract.

During the searches, officers recovered cocaine, crack cocaine, amphetamine, cannabis and ketamine, alongside further evidence of drug supply.

The drugs involved had a total estimated street value of £420,000. This included 26kg of cannabis worth approximately £118,000, cocaine valued at £44,000, crack cocaine worth £69,000 and eight kilograms of ketamine valued at £190,000.

Five men subsequently admitted offences relating to the operation and appeared at Leeds Crown Court for sentencing on Friday (Sep 25).

Kyle Bates, 34, from Pontefract, had previously admitted being concerned in the supply of cocaine, cannabis and ketamine. He also admitted possession of cocaine and cannabis with intent to supply and was jailed for nine years and three months.

Mark Bates, 38, from Pontefract, admitted possession of cocaine, cannabis and ketamine with intent to supply, as well as possession of criminal property. He was jailed for six years and nine months.

Alan Tonks, 47, from Pontefract, admitted possession of crack cocaine, amphetamine, cannabis and ketamine with intent to supply, alongside being concerned in the supply of cannabis. He was also jailed for six years and nine months.

Reece Britnell, 24, from Pontefract, admitted possession of cannabis with intent to supply and received a six-month sentence.

Shane Gray, 34, of no fixed address, admitted being concerned in the supply of cocaine, ketamine and cannabis, possession of cannabis with intent to supply and producing crack cocaine.

He also admitted handling stolen bottles of cocktail mixer drinks and boxes of Kellogg’s corn flakes recovered during the police searches. Gray was jailed for five years.

Detective Sergeant Karl Heath said: “We know the impact that drug-related crime can have on residents and communities in Pontefract, and we are committed to tackling those who seek to profit from it.

“The sentences given to these five men demonstrates that information provided by the public, combined with thorough police work, can lead to offenders being brought to justice.

“I would encourage anyone who has concerns about drug dealing in their neighbourhood to continue reporting it to police so we can take appropriate action.”