The ringleader of the group portrayed himself as a successful businessman
The ringleader of the group portrayed himself as a successful businessman
An organised crime gang who were part of a multi-kilo drug operation have today been jailed for a combined total of 46 years. Between July 2023 to September 2024, it is estimated the group trafficked up to 8kg of cocaine and 200kg of cannabis across Cheshire, making estimated profits of over £1 million.
They all appeared before Liverpool Crown Court today (Thursday) for sentencing. The ringleader of the group, John Collins, orchestrated the movement of controlled drugs and cash throughout Cheshire.
The 36-year-old operated within the upper echelons of the group, directing other members to collect, cut, package, and distribute drugs and cash. Collins portrayed himself as a successful businessman, but his lifestyle was funded by criminal activities.
Collins, of Elton Road, Cheshire, was sentenced to 12 years and nine months in jail. Another principal member was Stephen Lloyd, 37, of Stanthorn Place, Middlewich.
He was another principal member who directed trusted couriers and runners to transport and distribute drugs and cash. He used Jack Miller’s address to store and bag up cocaine for distribution. Lloyd has been sentenced to 12 years and nine months.
The cousin of Stephen Lloyd, Owen Lloyd, 26, weighed and packaged drugs under the direction of Collins and Stephen Lloyd in his bedroom.
Owen, of Chambers St, Crewe lived a luxurious lifestyle and was often seen boasting about his activities in videos and photos showing him weighing and bagging cocaine along with significant amounts of cash. Owen has been sentenced to six years and nine months.
Jack Miller, 26, of Imperial Court, has been sentenced to six years and nine months. Initially employed as a runner for Collins and Lloyd, Miller assisted in packaging and storing drugs. He earned their trust and took on additional responsibilities, progressing up the hierarchy of the crime group.Konrad Kupczyk, 28, of Brookland Grove, Crewe has been sentenced to seven years and six months. As the upstream supplier of cocaine to the crime group, Kupczyk arranged deliveries and payments for the drugs via encrypted platforms like WhatsApp. He was familiar with specific drop spots used for transactions.
The gang were arrested on September 5 2024 following simultaneous raids across addresses in Cheshire. Large amounts of cash, drugs and high value items including jewellery, watches and vehicles were also seized from the properties.
The men pleaded guilty to the offences and were sentenced today. Detective Chief Inspector Zoe Russo from the NWROCU’s Operations Team said: “Today’s sentencing marks another victory in our ongoing battle against organised crime. The diligent work of our detectives has led to the dismantling of a major drug supply network that posed a serious threat to the safety and well-being of our communities.
“This investigation highlights our unwavering commitment to pursuing those who engage in illegal activities and ensuring they face the full force of the law. We will continue to work tirelessly to protect our communities and bring offenders to justice.”
Anyone with information or concerns about drugs in the local community should report to police online, or by calling 101. Always call 999 in an emergency.
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