Police's drug violence fear as murder trial ends

A senior detective has called on the public to help fight the "illicit drugs trade" following the murder of a gang "runner"

Det Insp Justine Jenkins said "too often" the trade was "fuelling violence and exploitation" in Bedfordshire.

She was speaking after two men were convicted of being involved in the killing of a 37-year-old drug "runner" Dean Fountaine, from Leighton Buzzard.

Peter Janoski, 44, has been found guilty of murder and Dylan Myrie, 21, guilty of manslaughter after a trial at Luton Crown Court.

Police said Janoski, of no fixed abode, and Myrie, of Hallwicks Road in Luton, had plotted to rob Mr Fountaine, who they described as a runner in a rival drug gang, before stabbing him.

The force said Mr Fountaine died after being attacked in Ashton Road, Luton, in June 2023.

The pair are due to be sentenced on 20 June.

After the trial, Det Insp Jenkins, from the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire major crime unit, said the case had been "extremely complex".

"Too often we see how the illicit drugs trade is fuelling violence and exploitation," she said.

"The prevention of devastating incidents like these can only be achieved with the support of our community.

"Bedfordshire Police's commitment to tackling drug dealing remains the same, but we rely on intelligence from local residents to inform us on when and where to strike next."

Follow Beds, Herts and Bucks news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.