Drug Gangs Sentences Increased After North Wales Farm Plot Uncovered

Four criminals had their prison time lengthened. They were part of a big drug operation. The police thought their original sentences were too short. The police used a special scheme to appeal.

Now, the criminals will spend more time in jail. The gang imported over two tons of drugs between May and September 2023. They moved drugs from Europe using a trailer that came via France, Belgium, and Holland, and went through the Eurotunnel.

The trailer went to a farm in Deeside where they hid the drugs behind wooden panels. Then, people sorted them into boxes and bags, preparing the drugs for sale. Gang members met customers nearby at a service station and a lane.

Customers followed them to the farm. They filled cars with drugs there. This helped to hide the farm’s location. Police had an operation called Falcon watching them.

One member, Guy Remington, made nine trips. His last trip led to their downfall. On September 20, 2023, police stopped Remington. He was taking drugs off the trailer.

This was at Luke Hirst’s farm, ending their drug business. Police arrested him at the farm and searched Hirst’s farm carefully. They found money in Remington’s car, as well as cocaine and heroin. The drugs were worth millions of pounds.

David Hague, 51, now has 14 years. Charles Dilworth, 25, got nine years and nine months. Jamie Menagh, 31, also got nine years and nine months. Jon Fairclough, 37, received nine years and four months.

Mark Blower, 33, wanted a shorter sentence, but the court refused this. He still has to serve 14 years and three months. Police are happy about the longer sentences.

They said the gang brought lots of cocaine to the UK. They want to remove drugs from the North West, as drugs cause problems and violence. The court agreed the sentences were too short, and the criminals will now be in jail longer.