‘I hope his conviction sends yet another message to the criminal fraternity’

A member of an organised crime group (OCG) has been jailed for his part in selling almost GBP2million worth of Class A and B drugs. Samuel Brough, 34, was identified as the principal member of an OCG responsible for the large-scale supply of cocaine and cannabis based in Warrington but with links across the UK. Brough, of Warrington Road, Dutton, Northwich, was identified through his use of EncroChat phones and busted after an investigation began into his illegal activity in March 2021.

Officers discovered that over an 11-week period Brough sold 42kg of cocaine and 49kg of cannabis. The total turnover was GBP1.9million in cash. However, there was also extensive proof that he had been involved in such criminality long before then.

He was jailed for 12 years at Chester Crown Court on Wednesday (December 20) after pleading guilty to conspiracy to supply Class A and B drugs (cocaine and cannabis). Brough was one of four arrested and charged as part of Cheshire Police's Operation Modifier. The three other men were sentenced in January 2023 for their part in the industrial scale peddling of drugs.

Nathan Bradley, 32, from Rennie Drive, Latchford, was given an eight year sentence, while Michael Murray, 33, from HMYOI Thorn Cross, was sentenced to six years and Gary Stevens, 39, from HMP Kirkham, was sentenced to five years and three months.

Officers uncovered that Brough and Bradley arranged the collection and distribution of cocaine, cannabis and vast quantities of cash, using Stevens and Murray as their couriers. Murray was a window fitter who used a liveried company van during the first phase of the Coronavirus[3] pandemic, enabling the organised crime gang to continue supplying drugs and maximising their illicit profits while everyone else was subject to restrictions in movement. DS Ryan Willis said: "This is part of a long running operation to strike at the heart of gangs who peddle drugs on a large scale causing misery and pain in our communities for their monetary gain.

"Through our commitment and determination in fighting serious and organised crime we were able to uncover the full extent of Brough's criminality. It has been proved by a meticulous and thorough investigation that the total overseen by Brough came to almost GBP2million, which is a significant amount. "We are working hard to pursue drug dealers and those instrumental in its distribution to protect the public from harm.

I hope today's conviction sends yet another message to the criminal fraternity that we will not stop making life difficult for those intent on illegal activity within Cheshire."

References

1. ^ EncroChat gang bought blocks of cocaine in Manchester before moving them around the UK (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
2. ^ Prison guard NOT GUILTY of phone sex with prisoner (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
3. ^ Coronavirus (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)