Seven men charged over alleged Class A drug supply plot

Seven men have appeared in court charged with conspiring to supply Class A drugs.

The group appeared at Exeter Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, 16 December, accused of conspiracy to supply drugs between 1 August 2023 and 15 December 2025.

Those charged are Ellis Boot, 33, of Daddyhole Road, Torquay; Zac Chancellor, 32, of Primley Park, Paignton; Reece Kendall, 33, of Walnut Road, Torquay; Philip Petas, 36, of Lime Avenue, Torquay; Ryan Tolley, 35, of South Street, Torquay; Luke Lea, 30, of Park Road, Blackpool; and Dean Whitehead, 39, of Porters Drive, Weston-super-Mare.

Mr Lea is also charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

Mr Whitehead faces further charges of being concerned in the supply of cannabis during the same period, possession of cannabis, driving while disqualified and driving without insurance.

Six of the men were remanded in custody, while one was released on court bail.

All are due to appear at Exeter Crown Court on 15 January.

The charges follow a proactive operation by the Serious and Organised Crime Unit, supported by local officers, carried out on 14 and 15 December.