Group sentenced to total of more than 40 years for drugs offences

Seven people have been jailed for a combined total of more than 40 years for their roles in supplying illegal drugs in Chester.

Operation Showman was launched by detectives at Chester Proactive Policing Team in June 2023 in response to an organised crime gang (OCG) which was supplying class A drugs in Chester and North Wales.

The following defendants were sentenced at Chester Crown Court between Thursday 21 November and Friday 22 November 2024:

• Daniel Smith, aged 38, of Roughlyn Crescent, Marlston-cum-Lache, Chester, received 10 years and five months after he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine, ketamine, and MDMA.
• Ryan Paul Yates, aged 33, of Roughlyn Crescent, Marslton-cum-Lache, Chester, received 10 years after he pleaded guilty to three counts of conspiracy to supply class A and B drugs (cocaine, ketamine, MDMA) and importation of class B drugs (cannabis).
• Edward Chadwick, aged 29, of Oakfield Road, Blacon, received eight years after he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply class A drugs (cocaine).
• James Phelan, aged 20, of no fixed abode, received six years after he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply class A and B drugs (cocaine and ketamine).
• Jamie Lee Kelly, aged 37, of Englefield Avenue, Saltney, received four years and three months after he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply class A drugs (cocaine).
• Lucy Pagett, aged 33, of Englefield Avenue, Saltney, received 40 months after she pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply class A drugs (cocaine).
• Sian Elisha Tomlin, aged 34, of Stamford Road, Chester, received two years and six months after she pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of class A drugs (cocaine).
• Kai Bradley, aged 21, of Saughall Road, Chester, received a 22-month sentence, suspended for two years, after he pleaded guilty to allowing a premises to be used for the supply of class A drugs (cocaine).
• Susan Stretton, aged 39, of Roughlyn Crescent, Marslton-cum-Lache, Chester, received a 16-month sentence suspended for two years after she pleaded guilty to allowing a premises to be used for the supply of class A and B drugs (cocaine, MDMA, and ketamine).
• Jordan Cook, aged 21, of Willow Road, Chester, received a nine-month sentence suspended for 18 months after he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply class B drugs (ketamine).

The gang were using a number of graft phones to conduct their operation, sending out bulk messages to drug users in the area offering to supply cocaine, ketamine and ecstasy.

Following enquiries, officers identified a number of suspects who were believed to be part of the OCG.

After gathering a catalogue of evidence against the gang, officers conducted a series of warrants on Tuesday 30 April 2024, leading to the arrest and charge of seven men and three women in relation to a variety of offences.

A number of mobile phones were also seized during the raids along with a large quantity of drugs. This included cocaine with a potential street value of up to £70,100, MDMA with a street value of up to £28,120, and ketamine worth up to £160,880.

The investigation revealed that Smith stored the drugs at his address and was involved in weighing and packaging the substances. Stretton lived at the same address and allowed cocaine, ketamine and MDMA to be stored there. Yates also helped to control the storage of the drugs at this address, as well as controlling the graft phones, and assisting in weighing and packaging.

Chadwick was another controller of the drugs phones and directed others in the supply of cocaine.

Bradley and Pagett both allowed their premises to be used by the OCG to supply drugs from. Pagett also stored drugs at her address and assisted with packaging, weighing and supplying drugs.

Phelan and Kelly were street-level suppliers of cocaine on behalf of the OCG, while Cook was a supplier of ketamine that was purchased from the group. Tomlin made contact with this OCG to purchase bulk amounts of illegal drugs.

Following the sentencings, Detective Inspector Rupert Morrey said:

“This is an exceptional result, with a combined sentence of more than 44 years in prison.

“During the investigation, our officers spent over seven months meticulously gathering intelligence in relation to the supply of illegal drugs in Chester. Each defendant then pleaded guilty to their involvement in this OCG, which demonstrates the strength of the evidence against them.

“As well as the substantial sentences received, our investigation saw a total of more than a quarter of a million pounds worth of drugs seized and taken off the streets.

“Illegal drugs have a hugely detrimental impact on communities, so cutting off supplies and removing those responsible for drug dealing from our communities is of huge importance to us.

“I hope these recent sentences reassure residents that we are doing all we can to tackle offending of this nature, while also serving as a warning to those who choose to be involved in drugs offences that you will be caught and brought to justice.”