Local man jailed for large‑scale money laundering and drug supply

A local man has been sentenced to 12 years’ imprisonment for heading up a large-scale organised crime group, money laundering and Class A drug supply.

Charlie Savage, 27, formerly of Standerwick appeared at Swindon Crown Court on Thursday 26th March. During the indictment period, he was responsible for the distribution of over 188 kilograms of cocaine.

Detective Constable Jared Yalden, from Wiltshire Police’s Serious and Organised Crime Unit, said, “Savage was operating at a level above what we would expect for someone of his age, however with this youth came a degree of naivety.

“Unfortunately for him and his criminal associates, moving cocaine and cannabis in such significant quantities required detailed record keeping to stay on top of the accounts. This meant we were able to access Savage’s records when he was arrested and as a result of his diligence, have to date arrested over 30 of his customers, couriers, money launderers, and suppliers for their involvement in the operation. The majority have been released on bail whilst the complex nature of the investigation is assessed by the Crown Prosecution Service.”

A man from Warminster, Shay Girvan, 22, was also arrested and sentenced to nine years imprisonment for his role within the group, moving cocaine, cannabis and cash around the country.

Following an extensive investigation by Wiltshire Police’s Serious and Organised Crime Unit, Savage was arrested in Knightsbridge, London on 28th April 2025, whilst carrying a rucksack with over £65,000 cash inside.

As well as the lengthy prison sentences, both Savage and Girvan will be subject to proceeds of crime orders where their assets will be subject to confiscation over the coming months. Charlie Savage will also be subject of a Serious Crime Prevention Order upon his release from prison.

Deputy SIO Det Sgt Richard Nelsen said, “We continue to rely on our communities to identify and alert us to those who live beyond their means and engage in criminality which directly affects those around them. We will deal robustly with those who break the law.”