Five gang members were jailed for more than 30 years after supplying large amounts of cocaine in Wirral.
Merseyside Police began an operation in 2019 after detectives identified suspects responsible for the distribution of large amounts of class A drugs in Eastham, Bebington and Birkenhead.
On June 25, 2020, officers raided seven homes across Wirral and seized more than 2kg of cocaine, £5,000 cash, Class B drugs, a Rolex watch and designer clothes.
READ MORE: Cash, jewellery and drugs seized in massive raids on crime gang
Five men and one woman were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to supply class A drugs and taken into custody, six of which were later charged.
A further suspect voluntarily attended an interview in August 2020 and was later charged.
Five people were jailed today (Thursday, July 8) at Liverpool Crown Court after pleading guilty to drugs supply offences earlier this year.
Liam Bradley, 30, of Temple Road, Prenton, who played a leading role in the Organised Crime Group (OCG), organising the preparation, storage and transportation of drugs, was sentenced to 10 years for conspiracy to supply cocaine and possession with intent to supply cocaine
Thomas Willis, 29, of no fixed address, who was employed as a trusted courier by the OCG, was sentenced to six years and six months for conspiracy to supply cocaine and possession with intent to supply cocaine.
Gary Andrews, 47, of Priory Wharf, Birkenhead was involved in the distribution of drugs and was sentenced to three years for possession with intent to supply class A drugs, possession of amphetamine and being concerned in the supply of cocaine.
Stephanie Jones, 39, of New Ferry Road, New Ferry was also involved in the distribution of drugs and was sentenced to two years and six months for possession with intent to supply class A drugs, and being concerned in the supply of cocaine.
Gary Clare, 59, of Ethel Road, Wallasey, was employed as a courier for the OCG, and sentenced to eight years four months for possession of cannabis and being concerned in the supply of cocaine.
Stacey Smyth, 38, of Parkside Road, Poulton and Gary Clare’s partner, received a 12 month community order with 10 days rehabilitation and standard surcharge.
Mark Fitzpatrick, 42, of Borough Road, Birkenhead will be sentenced on Monday, July 12.
Commenting on the sentencing, detective inspector Paul McVeigh said: "Today's results show that we at Merseyside Police will leave no stone unturned in pursuing individuals who involve themselves in serious organised crime.
“The individuals put behind bars are thankfully are now unable to bring drugs and misery to our communities across the Wirral and beyond.
“The key to any successes we have in finding such criminals is information from our communities. It is often information from a member of the public that can kick start an investigation so I would urge anyone with information to keep coming forward, either directly to police or through the charity Crimestoppers, which is completely independent of police.
“No-one should have to put up with drug dealing in their area and the associated crime it attracts. We will continue to work tirelessly to remove drug dealers from our streets and provide our law abiding communities with a safe place to live, work and visit.”
Anyone with information on drug dealing in supply in their community is asked to contact @MerPolCC, call 101 or Crimestoppers UK anonymously on 0800 555 111. Always call 999 if a crime is in progress.
