Gang who plotted to flood North Wales with drugs jailed for total of 44 years
Five men involved in a conspiracy to supply Class A and B drugs in the Wrexham[1] area have been jailed for a total of more than 44 years. Two others received suspended sentences. In a conspiracy that spanned from October 2022 to January 2023, 36-year-old Sean Anthony Gaunt was the local head of a distribution network supplied by 39-year-old Anthony James Taylor, from Merseyside, North Wales Police[2] said.
Gaunt and Taylor used several couriers, namely Michael Barr, John Jones, David Humphreys, William Lord and Thomas Jones. The gang used a variety of cars, vans and taxis to transport drugs and were observed during a sophisticated surveillance operation involving detectives, local officers and Roads Crime Unit officers, as well as officers from Merseyside Police.
They received the following sentences in court for their involvement in the conspiracy:
o Michael Barr, 40, of Thomas Street, Widnes – 8 years o Sean Gaunt, 36, of No Fixed Abode – 10 years, 8 months and 2 years, 8 months to run concurrent. o David Humphreys, 41, of Havard Way, Wrexham – 6 years, 8 months
o John Jones, 63, of Churchill Drive, Wrexham- 6 years, 8 months o Anthony Taylor, 40, of Knowles House Avenue, Eccleston, St Helens – 12 year, 9 months o Thomas Jones, 24, of Maesteg, Brynteg, Wrexham – 9 months, suspended
o William Lord, 30, of Coed Efa, New Broughton, Wrexham- 9 months, suspended Speaking after the sentencing, Detective Chief Inspector Mark Hughes said: “Today’s sentences reflect the severity of the crimes we have investigated over a protracted period. Tackling serious and organised crime is a priority for us and we will continue to work with colleagues from neighbouring forces to ensure that borders are no barrier to ensuring that drug dealers face justice.
“Those that perpetrate criminal activities such as these are not welcome in north Wales and I welcome today’s sentences.”
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References
- ^ Wrexham (www.dailypost.co.uk)
- ^ North Wales Police (www.dailypost.co.uk)
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- ^ The North Wales Live Whatsapp community for top stories and breaking news is live now – here’s how to sign up (www.dailypost.co.uk)