Why it matters: Ian Gayle, 56, of no fixed abode but from the Ipswich area, was arrested on 30 July in Wilberforce Street during Operation Spotlight, part of the Maple Together Clear Hold Build initiative targeting serious and organised crime in Ipswich's Gipping and Westgate wards.
The details: Gayle had been stopped for a search when he attempted to flee, assaulting an officer and breaking their finger in the process. Officers found drug wraps, phones and cash on him.
He was sentenced on 14 February after pleading guilty to:
Possession with intent to supply a Class A drug (cocaine)
Possession with intent to supply a Class B drug (amphetamine)
Possession of cannabis
Assault by beating of an emergency worker
What they're saying: Inspector Jess Lawlor said: "I am pleased to see Gayle has been given a lengthy sentence. Not only did he assault and injure one of our officers, but he was attempting to profit by bringing the misery of drugs to the residents of Ipswich.
"This is again proof of the success of enforcement initiatives such as Clear Hold Build and Operation Spotlight. We will continue to do all we can to tackle drug-based criminality and bring those responsible to justice."
For context: Operation Spotlight was launched in April 2024 using a Home Office grant to deliver hotspot policing across Suffolk, leading to significant decreases in anti-social behaviour, violence and overall crime. It was renewed for a further 12 months in April 2025, with a focus on knife crime, serious violence and anti-social behaviour.
Maple Together, Ipswich's first Clear Hold Build project, launched in 2025 and covers an area west of the town centre bordered by Norwich Road and Bramford Road in the north, Yarmouth Road in the west and West End Road in the south.
The bottom line: Gayle's sentencing is the latest result from Ipswich's Maple Together operation, which aims to rid the town's streets of serious and organised crime and leave more resilient communities in its wake.
If you suspect drug activity in your area, you can report it via the Suffolk Police website, by calling 101, or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
