CRIME lords, dealers and couriers are behind bars after drug dealing empires operating in Warrington were targeted in a major police sting.

Thirty-three people have now been sentenced to a total of 104 years following a six-month investigation led by detectives at Cheshire Police.

It included street dealers who sold their illicit hauls near to primary schools in full view of parents picking up their children.

Det Sgt Gavin Day, who was in charge of the policing operation, said he hoped this reinforces the constabulary’s commitment to tackling the issue.

He said: “This operation has struck at the heart of a number of organised crime gangs by removing the hierarchy who organise the drug supply and reap the benefits from the profits generated.  

“All those convicted have admitted their part in the drug dealing empires and are now facing lengthy prison sentences.  

“Organised crime and illegal drugs have no place in Warrington. 

“The impact of this type of activity should not be underestimated.  

“We have seen first-hand how illegal drugs can ruin lives and residents should not have to live in fear or intimidation of this sort of activity taking place in their area.”  

The operation was launched as a result of information passed on by the public.  

Following a six-month covert operation, a series of raids were carried out at properties across Warrington in October. Many of the crime gangs were working independently of each other in the town.  

Det Sgt Day said: “They carried out their illegal activities on a daily basis – often in public places in full view of passers-by without any consideration of the impact their actions could have on them.

“They clearly had a blatant disregard for the law. On a few occasions they dealt drugs near primary schools.  

“On one occasion, parents were walking past having collected their children from school nearby.”

Information from the public was vital in collecting intelligence to bring those involved to justice.

Det Sgt Day urged anyone with information to come forward so officers can ‘continue to proactively target, disrupt and dismantle those involved in organised crime’.

He added: “We will not tolerate those who choose to come into Cheshire believing it is an easy target and will do all we can to ensure that those involved in organised crime and the supply and distribution of illegal drugs are identified and dealt with.”

Police and crime commissioner for Cheshire David Keane added: “Having seen the threat posed by organised criminal gangs, removing those involved in this activity from our communities is paramount and sends a strong message that they are not welcome in our county.”

Warrington Guardian:

Pictured: Police briefing at Great Sankey Leisure Centre before the raid

POLICE struck at the homes of 32 suspects during dawn raids across Warrington to dismantle the supply of heroin and crack cocaine in the town.

Shortly before 5am on October 5, more than 300 officers gathered at Great Sankey Leisure Centre where they were briefed on the operation – described as one of the biggest the force has carried out.

Within the hour police swooped on homes in the town centre, Orford, Birchwood, Howley, Whitecross and Woolston.

These homes were searched by police as well as three properties in St Helens and nine in Liverpool as part of Operation Impact.

Suspects from five different organised crime groups were taken into custody to be questioned.

Warrington Guardian:

Pictured: Officers arrive at the location of one of the targeted homes

THE JABZ GANG

Jason Nee, 26, from Liverpool 
Head of the gang. Charged with conspiracy to supply, received a six-year sentence and four months for theft of a motor vehicle. 

Robert Nee, 25, from Liverpool
Charged with conspiracy to supply and assisting in supply of class A drugs. Handed a two-year sentence.

Bjorn Wisedale, 57, of St Peter’s Way 
Helped to transport drugs to his home in Orford before dealing on the streets. Sentenced to five years, eight months.

Carl Critchley, 41, of no fixed address
Detained on charges of conspiracy to supply. Given a four-year prison sentence.

Adam Kay, 24, from St Helens 
Sentenced to four years for supplying class A drugs and transporting the illicit stash from Liverpool.

Darren McBreen, 39, of Orford Lane, Orford
Charged with supplying class A drugs and sentenced to three years in prison.

Alan Jenks, 42, of Lovely Lane, Whitecross
Arrested for supplying class A drugs and sentenced to three years in prison.

Ryan Southerst, 25, of Farrell Street, Howley
Escaped immediate prison sentence after being concerned in supply of drugs. Received a 16-month suspended sentence.

David Sheridan, 57, of Whitworth Close, Birchwood
Identified as a driver for street suppliers and working as a dealer. Charged with conspiracy to supply and received a 20-month suspended sentence.

THE QUINNY GANG

Michael Quinn, 54, from Liverpool
In charge of the drugs operation. Used others to drive him from Liverpool to Warrington on a daily basis to supply class A drugs. 
Also employed other street suppliers to transport and supply heroin and crack cocaine into Warrington as he co-ordinated the operation from Liverpool. Sentenced to nine years for conspiracy to supply class A drugs. 

Lee Rowland, 50, of Amelia Street, Orford
Allowed his home to be used as a storehouse for drugs. Charged with conspiracy to supply, received a 28-month sentence.

Hayley Gahgen, 39, from Liverpool
Charged with conspiracy to supply drugs. Handed a two-year sentence.

Christopher Nolan, 31, from Liverpool
Worked as a driver who transported class A drugs and dealers to Warrington from Liverpool on a daily basis. Charged with conspiracy to supply and assisting in supply, received a 30-month sentence.

Lance Badrock, 45, from Liverpool
Sentenced to two years in prison for conspiracy to supply class A drugs.

Kaleigh Brennan, 31, from Liverpool 
Received a 16-month suspended sentence for supplying drugs.

THE STEVO GANG

Liam Byrne Jnr, 22, of Ulverston Avenue, Orford
Head of gang working predominantly in the Poplars and Hulme area of Warrington. As well as supplying heroin and crack cocaine, he employed a network of people to supply drugs on his behalf. Sentenced to four years in prison. 

David Holding, 27, of Whitworth Close, Birchwood
Half-brother of Byrne, handed 44 months in prison for conspiracy to supply after playing an integral part in the gang.

David Sherratt, 39, of Froghall Lane, Bewsey
Known locally as ‘Pablo’, jailed for six years after being detained. 
Used various vehicles to supply heroin and crack cocaine throughout Warrington.

Kenny Hobson, 44, Pentland Avenue, Orford 
Used his home to store drugs and supply heroin and crack cocaine for Byrne. Sentenced to 20 months behind bars.

Jack Holt, 18, no fixed abode
Given 32 months in prison for drug dealing.

Liam Byrne Snr, 40, of St Bridget’s Close, Padgate
Sentenced to one year, eight months in prison for dealing drugs from his car in Warrington.

Dale Morris, 20, of Ulverstone Avenue, Orford
Charged with conspiracy to supply drugs. Sentenced to three years in prison.

Ryan McManus, 27, of Dutton Court, Howley
Charged with conspiracy to supply and sentenced to three years, four months.

Louis Morris, 37, of Cotswold Road, Orford
Charged with conspiracy to supply class A drugs. Given an 18-month suspended sentence.

Terence Walker, 31, from Liverpool
Known locally as ‘Billy Whizz’, would travel daily from Liverpool to supply both heroin and crack cocaine in Warrington. Sentenced to three years for supply of class A drugs.

A 15-year-old teenager, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was also arrested during the raids. He appeared before North Cheshire Youth Court where he pleaded guilty to one count of supply of class A drugs, criminal damage and public order. He was sentenced to a youth rehabilitation order for 18 months.

THE LIAM GANG

Adam Blease, 31, from Liverpool
Head of gang, sentenced to four years for conspiracy to supply class A drugs in Warrington.

Michael Blease, 44, from Liverpool
Received 28 months for supply of class A drugs after travelling from Merseyside to Warrington to deal.

Eddie Munday, 46, of Fitzherbert Street, Orford
Charged with conspiracy to supply.Received six years in prison.

Peter Thomas, 43, of School Road, Orford
Charged with conspiracy to supply. Received 40 months in prison. 

Alan Bonkam, 34, of School Road, Orford
Charged with conspiracy to supply. Given 30 months behind bars.

THE MUKKA GANG

Ameer Kamchar, 40, from Salford
Head of gang which used violence to intimidate other drug suppliers and users. Travelled from Manchester, predominantly Salford, using personal and hired cars to supply throughout Warrington. Sentenced to six years in prison.

Jake Sweeney, 19, from Manchester
Jailed for 18 months after admitting being concerned in the supply of class A drugs.

Keenan Vanden, 18, from Manchester
Escaped an immediate jail term after receiving a 16-month suspended sentence and 100 hours’ community service.