Holyhead man jailed for 5 yrs 7 months for his role in cocaine supply gang
5 YRS 7 MONTHS FOR HOLYHEAD 2ND-IN-COMMAND OF DRUG GANG
THIRTEEN members of a drugs gang have been sentenced to a total of more than 50 years for their part in a conspiracy to supply cocaine in Wrexham.
They were sentenced at Mold Crown Court on Wednesday following a five-month investigation led by the North Wales Police (NWP) Eastern Operational Tasking Team.
The group was headed up by Richard Griffiths and each member had specific roles within the organisation, the court heard.
They worked predominantly in the evenings, storing the drugs in rural locations. The gang also prepared the drugs locally and transported them using Tic Tac sweet boxes.
The value of the conspiracy was estimated to be up to £104,000, and it involved between 1kg and 2kgs of cocaine and lasted between August, 2018 and February, 2020, when the gang was busted by police.
Richard Griffiths, 42, of Willow Bridge Court, Wrexham, was the leader and was sentenced to six years and eight months.
Sion Griffiths, 34, of Maes Meurig, Gwalchmai, Holyhead, was second in command and received five years and seven months.
Glyn Edwards, of no fixed abode, was responsible for transporting the drugs. He was sentenced to five years and four months.
John Luke Griffiths, 26, of Peris, Acrefair, Wrexham, who was a sub-dealer, received five years and two months.
Thomas Faulds, 25, Sefton Road, Old Colwyn, was a subdealer and street level dealer. Faulds was sentenced to five years and one month.
Stuart Clarke, 31, of no fixed abode, was a driver for the group and street level dealer. He was given four years and eight months.
Blake Roberts, 35, of Llewelyn Road, Tanyfron, Wrexham, who was involved in preparing the drugs for supply, was sentenced to four years and six months.
Jane Pritchard, 45, of no fixed abode, was addicted to drugs and ran chores for the group. She was sentenced to two years and nine months.
Aled Roberts, 24, of Holborn Crescent, Brynteg, Wrexham, acted as a street dealer. He was given a sentence of two years and eight months.
Adrian Brindley, 44, of Pont Wen, Caia Park, Wrexham, was paid in drugs and acted as a tester for the group. He was sentenced to two years and four months.
They all admitted conspiracy to supply Class A drugs.
Ryan Edwards, 33, of Llay Place Avenue, Llay, Wrexham, acted as a sub dealer. He was given two years and four months.
Dwayne Pritchard, 22, of Offa Street, Johnstown, Wrexham, acted as a street level dealer and was also sentenced to two years and four months.
Edwards and Pritchard both admitted being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs.
Gemma Pearce, 34, of Bryn Offa, Wrexham, was given a 12 month sentence, suspended for 18 months, for participating in an organised crime group.
Sentencing the gang, Judge Niclas Parry said they had participated in dealing a drug which caused misery for many people.
Speaking after sentencing, Det Insp Mark Hughes said: “This Organised Crime Group was well organised and sophisticated.
“This presented us with a number of investigative difficulties which I am pleased to say we overcame through continued and persistent hard work.
“I am delighted with today’s sentences, as this demonstrates that as a force, we are determined to bring people who bring misery to the towns and villages of north Wales to justice.
“I would like to thank the community for their support during our investigations.
“We will continue to work to achieve our vision of making north Wales the safest place in the UK.”