The mastermind behind a drug trafficking network known as the 'Tupperware Gang' has been sentenced to a decade in prison for orchestrating the supply of cocaine valued at £1.3 million across Suffolk. Marc Kane, 43, from Gorleston, directed a large-scale operation that concealed the illicit drugs in plastic containers stashed in hedgerows along remote country lanes in Great Yarmouth.
Arrest and Sentencing
Police body camera footage captured the moments leading up to Kane's arrest, showing him scrambling over fences in a bid to evade an armed officer and a police dog. He was eventually discovered hiding behind a rolled-up rug and chair cushions inside a shed. Norfolk Police's Serious Organised Crime Unit conducted a complex investigation that resulted in the seizure of cocaine worth over £1.3 million.
Kane, of Coronilla Green, Gorleston, pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of cocaine and was sentenced to 10 years in prison at Norwich Crown Court. Judge Anthony Bate noted that Kane played a 'leading role' in the operation and was 'well acquainted in class A drug dealing'. Prosecutor Lori Tucker stated that Kane had been buying and selling drugs on a 'commercial scale'. His sentencing marks the seventh arrest from the gang, following six other members who admitted their involvement in the conspiracy.
Gang Members and Their Sentences
Ashley Youngman, 34, of Cliff Hill, Gorleston, received 8 years and 6 months. Dominic Wilkins, 25, of South Quay, Great Yarmouth, was sentenced to 6 years. Hayder Gilgil, 20, of Anchor Court, Great Yarmouth, got 4 years. Joe Drysdale, 31, of Beavans Court, Great Yarmouth, received 3 years and 6 months. Ben French, 49, of Fritton Close, Lowestoft, was sentenced to 3 years. Michael Rushmer, 34, of HMP Norwich, got 2 years and 8 months. Combined, they received 25 years and 8 months.
Operation Details
The group used hedgerows in quiet countryside to stash cocaine in plastic pots, later retrieving them for sale. Kane's number was saved in another dealer's phone as 'Corleone', a reference to 'The Godfather'. Surveillance revealed Kane and Youngman's efforts to avoid detection, including using remote stash sites. Police recovered hundreds of thousands of pounds worth of cocaine from these sites. Both men lived lavishly despite no significant legitimate income. Kane flaunted his wealth, and after his arrest, designer clothing worth £20,530 was seized. He also used hire vehicles to move drugs, spending £5,981 on car hire between January and August 2024.
Danielle O'Donovan, mitigating, argued that Kane was 'not a lone actor' or 'the lead actor'. However, Detective Sergeant Eddie Hammond stated: 'Kane and Youngman saw themselves as 'untouchable' – the fact that they are both now behind bars is testament to months of hard work by dedicated officers.'
