Three faced sentences after running a cocaine, cannabis network in North Wales and Chester. They got over 20 years.
Paul Ibell, 32, and Sean Mooney, 29, led the operation. They had a real painting and decorating business together. Police say they used their work van to move drugs and used it for crime meetings.
Their business grew. Ibell and Mooney hired Edward Kaye, 30. He helped them grow cannabis at a property in North Wales.
Detectives called the investigation ‘Operation Leonardo’. It started with a national probe looking at EncroChat. EncroChat was a secret messaging service criminals used a lot.
Police analyzed EncroChat data from March to June 2020. They learned Ibell used the username ‘Holysoda’. He plotted to supply cocaine and cannabis and worked with other criminals.
The messages showed Ibell’s criminal scale. He likely sold at least 43 kilos of cannabis during the EncroChat period. Ibell said his cocaine supply stalled, probably due to Covid restrictions. He likely sold between 1 and 3 kilos.
Six images showed a hand holding cannabis. Fingerprint analysis showed it was Ibell’s hand, providing more evidence against him.
The probe into Ibell continued. In 2023, ‘Operation Leonardo’ entered a second phase. It showed Ibell acting like he did on EncroChat.
Ibell worked with Mooney and Kaye. They ran a refined cannabis supply network. It operated in Cheshire and North Wales. Ibell and Mooney owned other businesses too, including café companies.
However, they were key players in organized crime and headed the cannabis plot. They got cannabis in bulk from suppliers, involving an Albanian group operating nationally. They stored drugs in rural places and then sold to their customers.
The investigation found key locations for their network. Properties in Balderton and Ellesmere Port were stash houses. Ibell and Mooney stored drugs there and also met suppliers and customers. Edward Kaye helped with their cannabis farm, located in Gresford, Wrexham, helping source and maintain it.
Police closed in. They raided key addresses used by the gang. One location had over 60 cannabis plants. Other locations had drugs, cash and paraphernalia. Detectives confirmed Ibell, Mooney and Kaye sold at least 200 kilos of cannabis, operating in Chester, Merseyside and North Wales.
Police arrested the men on March 6, 2024. They charged them with cannabis supply conspiracy. Ibell was also charged with cocaine conspiracy related to EncroChat evidence.
The men admitted their guilt. They were sentenced at Chester Crown Court on February 26 for their roles in supplying illegal drugs. Ibell got 16 years in prison, Mooney got five years, and Kaye received three years and four months.
A police chief said the men operated at a high level. They sold drugs while living lavishly. They thought their businesses hid their crimes. Police gathered evidence, staying ahead of them. Ibell and Mooney got drugs from Albanian groups.
This operation dismantled a Chester gang. The gang sold drugs to criminals who operated in Cheshire, Merseyside and North Wales. Police targeted the Albanian group, seizing vehicles and cannabis and arresting people for drug and immigration offenses.
The police hope these sentences reassure people. They are committed to fighting organized crime. People should report any concerns using the police website or calling, or they can report anonymously.