An organised crime gang responsible for the large scale supply of Class A drugs in South Cheshire, has been jailed for 19 years.
David Probin, 28, Christopher Flowers, 28, James Entwistle, 26, Shannon O’Neill, 20, Joseph Cottle, 21, and Bernard Dutton, 55, were jailed after being charged with conspiracy to Supply Class A Drugs.
The gang appeared at Chester Crown Court where they all, with the exception of Dutton, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply Class A drugs.
Dutton initially pleaded not guilty, but changed his plea at the start of his trial.
The group appeared at Chester Crown Court yesterday (October 24) and were sentenced to a total of 19 years behind bars.
David Probin (pictured above), 28, Bedford Street, Crewe, jailed for 6 years 10 months.
Christopher Flowers, 28, Claughton Avenue, Crewe, jailed for 3 years 6 months.
James Entwistle, 26, Nelson Street, Crewe, jailed for 3 years 6 months.
Shannon O’Neill, 20, Claughton Avenue, Crewe, given 21-month suspended sentence, suspended for 12 months, 180 hours unpaid work.
Joseph Cottle, 21, Rimrose Valley, Crosby, Liverpool, jailed for two years.
Bernard Dutton, 55, King Street, Liverpool, jailed for 3 years 2 months.
The police investigation was launched in spring 2015 when officers began surveillance work in the Crewe area who they believed were involved in the supply of drugs.
In December 2015, after monitoring the gang for nine months, officers raided addresses in Crewe and Liverpool, leading to the arrest of six people on suspicion of drugs offences.
Detective Inspector Giles Pierce, from the Serious and Crime Operations Unit, said: “This was a complex investigation which has not only led to substantial prison sentences for all of the defendants, but has also helped to remove over £260,000 worth of Class A drugs from the streets of Cheshire.
“The investigation was carried out as part of Operation Impact.
“It shows the commitment we have in targeting those people that undermine our communities and bring misery to residents through their involvement in organised crime and illegal drugs.”
Cheshire Police and Crime Commissioner David Keane said: “The supply of illegal drugs is something many of our residents in Cheshire are concerned about and tackling this issue is of the uppermost importance to me.
“The Constabulary are undertaking some excellent work to take drugs of the streets and put offenders in prison – I will be working with the Chief Constable to ensure this continues.”
Det Insp Pierce added: “I hope this case sends out a clear message to other potential criminals that drugs crime will not be tolerated in Cheshire.
“Although this investigation has now concluded our fight against organised criminals and illegal drugs will continue and I urge anyone with any information about suspected drug related activity in their local communities to get in touch.”
Anyone with information can contact Cheshire Police on 101, or passed on anonymously, via Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111.
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