Four jailed for role in major Reading drug network

A Reading drugs line has been dismantled and four people jailed for a combined total of 23 and a half years following an investigation by Thames Valley Police and the Metropolitan Police. 

The group were jailed at a sentencing hearing at Reading Crown Court on Friday 15 May, after a police investigation led to the discovery of almost £20,000 worth of crack cocaine, cocaine and heroin, and cannabis worth around £16,000.  

The defendants were involved in running the ‘Junior’ drugs line, which police found had sold approximately 34.2kg worth of drugs, valued at nearly £2million, between April 2024 and December 2025. 

A total of £22,000 in cash was also found at properties in Tadley, Calcot and Reading. 

Jordan Cox, aged 31, of Blackbird Close in Burghfield Common, pleaded guilty to two counts of being concerned in the supply of a Class A drug, namely heroin and crack cocaine, and concealing criminal property. He also pleaded guilty to two counts of assault by beating, dangerous driving and theft. He was sentenced to a total of ten years and six months in prison.  

Pierre Atangana, aged 31, of Woodville Court in Reading, was sentenced to six years in prison after pleading guilty to two counts of being concerned in the supply of a Class A drug, namely heroin and crack cocaine, acquiring criminal property and possession with intent to supply heroin, possession with intent to supply cocaine and possession with intent to supply cannabis.  

Robbie Parmenter, aged 24, of Tunworth Mews in Tadley, was sentenced to five years in prison after pleading guilty to acquiring criminal property, two counts of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs, namely heroin and crack cocaine, and breaching a suspended sentence.  

Thomas Aspel, aged 27, of Delafield Drive in Calcot, was sentenced to two years in prison after pleading guilty to possession with intent to supply heroin, possession with intent to supply crack cocaine, acquiring criminal property and possession of an offensive weapon in a private place.  

The group was identified after a grey Ford Kuga failed to stop for police on 31 August 2025. The driver, later identified as Cox, drove 72mph in a 30mph zone and ran red lights before fleeing the car and discarding three phones, which were later found by officers to be connected to the Junior drugs line.  

Throughout the course of the investigation, a series of warrants were carried out on 9 December 2025 at addresses in West Berkshire and Hampshire, uncovering a number of phones being used to supply Class A drugs, large quantities of cash, knuckle dusters and Class A and B drugs.  

Cox, Atangana, Parmenter and Aspel were arrested and charged the next day. 

Investigating officer, Police Constable Liam Steele of Reading’s Proactive Team, said: “These sentences have made a significant dent in harmful Class A drug supply in Reading and has disrupted serious and organised crime in the town. 

“The supply of drugs causes harm and misery within our communities and exploits vulnerable people. Taking such a significant amount of crack cocaine, cocaine and heroin off our streets will reduce that harm and misery.  

“We are committed to reducing the levels of serious and organised crime in Reading and our team will continue to target and prosecute offenders. Our activity will be both visible and covert, aimed at disrupting and pursuing those involved in drug supply. 

“No-one knows their streets, towns and villages better than the people who live and work there. If you see something happening that is out of place, then report it. Information we receive from the public can be vital in developing intelligence into a proactive investigation.” 

You can report drug-related crime by calling 101 or via our website: https://www.thamesvalley.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime/ 

You can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via their Anonymous Online Form. 

Always call 999 in an emergency.  

DB