UNTIL their arrests drug dealers Tyrone Baker and Oliver Hamilton exploited children and vulnerable adults while plying their trade in Bedfordshire.
They were part of an organised crime group supplying Class A narcotics — the case is explored in 24 Hours in Police Custody: Living the High Life.
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Criminal exploitation
Oliver Hamilton was part of a devious drug dealing operation supplying cocaine, heroin, cannabis and ecstasy in the Biggleswade and Sandy areas of Bedfordshire.
He worked as the right-hand man to Tyrone Baker, the 26-year-old leader of the drug supply line in the area.
The gang used “cuckooing” tactics — taking over people’s homes to stash cash and drugs, as well as grooming children to participate in their drug dealing network.
Their criminal enterprise targeted vulnerable individuals, including those with addiction issues, before systematically exploiting them to sell narcotics.
24 hours in police custody
They used manipulative tactics such as buying gifts, promising cash, and feigning friendship to lure their victims into criminal activities.
One particularly disturbing incident involved a teenage girl related to one of their adult victims.
The dealers initially engaged her by playing games but soon began using her home to store and package large quantities of cannabis.
They also brought large knives to her property and used it to count money, further exposing her to danger.
Investigation & evidence
The case against Hamilton was built on substantial evidence, including:
- Text messages revealing grooming and exploitation tactics
- Fingerprint evidence linking gang members to cuckooed properties
- Testimony from victims
- Financial estimates showing the gang Baker’s annual earnings of over £70,000 from drug dealing
One telling piece of evidence was a text exchange where Baker dismissed concerns about a young drug runner potentially leaving the criminal lifestyle, writing: “Bruv I’ve been in his head. He ain’t locking off.”
I firmly believe this group would have continued this model and exploited more children if we had not stepped in
Detective Sergeant Tim Plater
Sentencing
Hamilton was sentenced to six years and two months in prison for:
- Conspiracy to supply cannabis
- Being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine and heroin
His accomplice, Tyrone Baker, received a harsher sentence of nine years for:
- Conspiracy to supply Class A heroin and cannabis
- Being concerned in the supply of cocaine, ecstasy and cannabis
A third individual, Declan Welch, was given a community order of 18 months for 150 hours.
Detective Sergeant Tim Plater from Bedfordshire Police said: “I firmly believe this group would have continued this model and exploited more children if we had not stepped in.”
