A former Chesham United footballer has been jailed for nearly 20 years for his role in supplying cocaine and ketamine in the UK.

Shaquille Hippolyte-Patrick, 29, was one of six people to face their punishment at Isleworth Crown Court last month, having all previously admitted conspiracy to supply the drugs.

Bucks Free Press: Shaquille Hippolyte-Patrick was one of six people to be sent to prisonShaquille Hippolyte-Patrick was one of six people to be sent to prison (Image: Met Police)

During the court case, the Metropolitan Police said the criminals had worked ‘on an industrial scale’ throughout the country, with the cocaine deals alone having an estimated street value of £208 to £260 million.

The illegal enterprise came crashing down following the arrest of one of the gang members, 36-year-old Luke Skeete.

Bucks Free Press: Luke Skeete was the first to be arrested Luke Skeete was the first to be arrested (Image: Met Police)

This led to multiple apprehensions and convictions.

The six drug dealers were all semi-pro footballers with the force admitting that they had ‘promising careers’ ahead of them.

Those who were jailed are the following:

  • Adam Pepara, 35 (24.08.88), of Wharf Lane, Solihull - jailed for 29 years reduced to 24 years

Bucks Free Press: Adam Pepera was jailed for 24 yearsAdam Pepera was jailed for 24 years (Image: Met Police)

  • Shaquille Hippolyte-Patrick, 29 (19.04.95), of Delgarno Gardens, North Kensington - jailed for 26 years and six months reduced to 18 years and nine months
  • Jamarl Joseph, 28 (12.07.95), of Lily Gardens, Wembley - jailed for 26 years and six months reduced to 17 years and six months

Bucks Free Press: Jamarl Joseph was also sent to prisonJamarl Joseph was also sent to prison (Image: Met Police)

  • Andrew Harewood, 34 (05.07.89), of Woodhurst Road, North Acton - jailed for 24 years and six months reduced to 16 years and one month
  • Bucks Free Press: Andrew Harwood will spend 16 years behind barsAndrew Harwood will spend 16 years behind bars (Image: Met Police)
  • Melchi Emanuel-Williamson, 29 (17.09.94), of Wesley Avenue, North Acton – jailed for 21 years and six months reduced to 14 years

Bucks Free Press: Melchi Emanuel-Williamson has been jailed for 14 yearsMelchi Emanuel-Williamson has been jailed for 14 years (Image: Met Police)

  • Luke Skeete, 36 (25.02.88), of Evergreen Drive, West Drayton - jailed for 22 years and six months reduced to 13 years and one month

It’s a huge fall from grace for Hippolyte-Patrick, who began the season in the Chesham United first team.

The 29-year-old joined the Generals in 2021 and was regular for the South Buckinghamshire side during his spell at The Meadow.

He played 10 times for the club this season before being banished from the team at the end of September.

Bucks Free Press: The ketamine that was discovered The ketamine that was discovered (Image: Met Police)

The winger, who also played for Hayes & Yeading, Salisbury, Wealdstone, Hampton & Richmond, even scored a hat-trick for Chesham away at Hanwell Town just two-and-a-half weeks before he played his last game for the club that month.

His crimes meant he missed out on the Generals’ promotion to the National League South.

Bucks Free Press: The cocaine that was foundThe cocaine that was found (Image: Met Police)

Police Constable Perry, from Specialist Crime North, said: “The operation we’ve dismantled here is not some minor undertaking, involving a group of chancers – this is a highly organised criminal group who were supplying drugs on an industrial scale throughout the UK.

“The sentences received reflect the gravity of what they had been doing.

“This is a criminal group who had otherwise promising careers – semi-pro footballers with other jobs and courses they were undertaking – but they were motivated by making money from drugs that fuel misery and violence on our streets.

“Anyone else wondering if they can make cash from this type of activity should take a look at these sentences and think again, because it’s only a matter of time before you are caught.”