Drugs gang is sentenced to 173 years behind bars
A26-MEMBER drugs gang will serve a combined 173 years behind bars after police busted a multi-million-pound operation.
Two women and 24 men formed part of the organised crime gang who worked across the coastal strip of north Wales.
The gang comprised people from Manchester, Liverpool, Rhyl, Colwyn Bay, Llandudno and Holyhead.
The responsibilities of the gang members were substances and cutting agents that, overall, had the power to flood the region with Class A drugs, primarily cocaine, worth over £2m.
Mold Crown Court was told how gangs from Holyhead and Llandudno had worked together with associates in the Rhyl and Colwyn Bay areas to deal with suppliers in Manchester and Liverpool.
The Daily Post reported that during the police operation, officers recovered Class A drugs and a large amount of Benzocaine, which is often used to weigh out drugs in order to increase the profit.
The seized goods are thought to be worth around £2.7m.
A source from the police alleged it was thought to be the biggest total sentence from a single trial ever known.
The man who is alleged to be the head of the drugs operation, Aled Gray, is scheduled to be sentenced in January 2019.
Gemma Vincent of the Crown Prosecution Service said: “The amount of drugs distributed by the two organised crime groups in north Wales was staggering.
“The investigation revealed that two entirely separate crime groups came together to form a profitable consortium. In doing so, they were able to supply Class A drugs along the north Wales corridor across three counties. This was a well-established and sophisticated criminal enterprise.
“The CPS provided advice to the police from the early stages of the investigation, and together we presented a strong evidential case which resulted in the convictions.
“We will continue to work with North Wales Police and other investigative authorities to disrupt the illegal drugs trade and bring those responsible before the courts.”
Detective Inspector Lee Boycott added: “These crime groups were sophisticated and adept at what they did. Their plan to flood drugs on to the streets of north Wales took time to understand and gather the evidence.
“The large group thought they could defeat police, but I want people to understand illicit drug supply causes misery and corruption of our communities – it will always be a priority to the police.
“The group tried to hide their criminal actions but surveillance and listening devices enabled the full picture to be laid before the court. Please understand if you choose to become embroiled in crimes of this types, you can expect lengthy prison sentences.
“I welcome the jail terms handed down and commend the small but dedicated team who secured the compelling evidence.”
Each individual who has been sentenced will serve half of their time and will remain on licence for the remaining time.
This means if they commit an offence within this period they will be recalled and ordered to finish the sentence in full.