A drug gang that shipped cocaine from Preston to Carnforth and Carlisle has been dismantled, resulting in multiple prison sentences.
Police found a lot of cocaine during a secret investigation conducted by Lancashire Constabulary’s crime unit. The drugs went to Preston first, before being moved to Carnforth and Carlisle.
Last month, seven gang members were sentenced to jail, with Daniel Roccia, the leader, receiving over twelve years.
More sentences were handed down last week, with five more men going to prison after pleading guilty to drug charges. Their combined sentences total over 25 years.
Liam Davies, 36, got seven years; Samuel Higgins, 39, got almost seven; James Miller, 27, got four; John Bench, 37, got nearly four; and Wayne Welburn, 39, got three years.
A detective from Lancashire Police expressed satisfaction with the sentences, aiming to send a clear message that police will catch drug dealers.
Five others also received sentences last week, but their prison sentences are suspended, meaning they won’t go to jail right away.
Mark Skehan, 45, Cameron Parker, 23, Jamie Matthews, 37, Hayley Green, 41, and Anne O’Rourke, 41, all received suspended sentences.
This is part of a bigger police effort to tackle serious crime in Lancashire. The police want to stop violence, drug dealing, fraud, and exploitation.