Two men have been sentenced to a combined total of over 18 years in prison following an Essex Police investigation into organised drug supply in south Essex.
Elliot Reddington, 36, and Joe Mongan, 27, were arrested in February 2026 during warrants in Westcliff. Officers recovered significant quantities of cocaine and cannabis, alongside a handgun, ammunition, knives, and cash.
Sentencing Details
Both men pleaded guilty to charges including the supply of cocaine and cannabis, as well as firearms offences.
* Elliot Reddington was sentenced to nine years and nine months in prison. * Joe Mongan was sentenced to eight years and eight months in prison.
Detective Inspector Yoni Adler of the Serious and Organised Crime Unit stated that the pair were "prepared to use deadly weapons" to protect their criminal enterprise.
The Case for Reform
While police continue to target these illicit operations, the presence of weapons in the black market remains a persistent consequence of prohibition. Advocates for reform argue that a regulated, legal cannabis market would strip criminal gangs of their primary revenue streams, reducing the violence associated with the illicit trade and allowing law enforcement to focus resources on more serious violent crime.
Essex Police have confirmed that further proceedings are underway to recover assets under the Proceeds of Crime Act.
Source: The Echo
