A man has been sentenced to more than seven years in prison after admitting a charge of Class A drug supply.
Ryan Norton, 30, whose address in court was a prison, was sentenced yesterday (11 Nov) at Carlisle Crown Court after he admitted being concerned in the supply of cocaine in the Cumbria area between the dates of 31 July 2025 and 10 October 2025.
Ryan Norton
The court heard Norton was serving a prison sentence when a phone was found in his possession.
The contents of the phone were downloaded and contained evidence that Norton was involved in the supply of Class A drugs in Cumbria, orchestrated from prison.
Norton was charged with being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs and possession of a phone in prison. He admitted both charges.
Norton was sentenced to a total of seven years and four months in prison.
The investigation was part of Operation Alliance – the Constabulary’s dedicated operation protecting the county against serious and organised crime.
A spokesperson for Cumbria Police’s Serious Organised Crime Unit said: “The evidence indicated that Norton was operating in a managerial capacity orchestrating the supply of cocaine to others, who in turn were dealing drugs in the Kendal area.
"Cumbria Police is committed to identifying and targeting individuals and groups who are involved in serious organised crime in the county, including Class A drug supply.
“Often such investigations begin through information provided by the local community so we would encourage anyone who suspects such offending is taking place in their neighbourhood to come forward today.”
If you suspect drug offences are occurring in your community contact Cumbria Police today.
You can report online at www.cumbria.police.uk/reportit
You can also phone on 101.
Alternatively you can contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.