They recruited nine young individuals, including a 14-year-old, in Oswestry, Shropshire, to distribute crack and heroin. The operation, known as the Boris Line, was active between July 2018 and February 2020, with the brothers playing key roles in drug supply and outreach to drug users.
Originally sentenced at Shrewsbury Crown Court, their cases were reviewed after the government's solicitor general, Michael Tomlinson KC MP, deemed their initial sentences too lenient. As a result, James Mason's sentence was extended from seven to ten years, and Joshua's from six to eight years.
Tomlinson emphasized the devastating impact of drug use on communities and the severity of exploiting young people for such activities. He expressed hope that the increased sentences would serve as a strong deterrent against the distribution of hard drugs.