17 sentenced for Cumbria drug supply offences totalling over 100 years

The sentencing follows a proactive police operation that targeted an organised crime group which organised the large scale distribution of cocaine, cannabis and MCat (methcathione) from the Liverpool and Manchester areas into the county.

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During Operation Halogen police recovered over 5kg of cocaine, 5kg of skunk cannabis and half a kg of MCat worth a street value of nearly £1 million.

Patrick White was the head of this crime group and controlled the group from illegally held mobile phones from his prison cell.

The 17 sentenced on July 15:

•         Patrick White, aged 25, of HMP Risely, was sentenced to 13 years for three counts of conspiracy to supply drugs including cocaine, cannabis and MCat. He was also sentenced for two counts of possession of a mobile whilst in prison

•         Amanda Ashley, aged 26, of Douthwaite Drive, Stockport, was sentenced to seven years for conspiracy to supply cocaine

•         Mark Bostock, aged 29, of Marple, Stockport, was sentenced to ten years and eight months for conspiracy to supply cocaine

•         Steven Jones, aged 36, of Woodley, Stockport, was sentenced to six years and eight months for conspiracy to supply cocaine

•         John Lawrence, aged 31, from St Helens, was sentenced to six years for conspiracy to supply MCat and failure to comply with a section 49 RIPA notice

•         James Blacklock, aged 30, of Warwick Square, Carlisle, was sentenced to six years and eight months for conspiracy to supply cocaine and cannabis

•         James Kennedy, aged 24, of Edgehill Road, Carlisle, was sentenced to 16 months for conspiracy to supply cocaine and cannabis

•         Daniel Pape Logan, aged 24, of Newlands Lane South, Workington, was sentenced to six years and eight months for conspiracy to supply cocaine, cannabis and MCat

•         Marcine Jackson, aged 43, of Birkenhead, was sentenced to a one year community order for money laundering

•         Stuart Griffiths, aged 30, of Church street, Barrow, was sentenced to three years and three months for possession with intent to supply cocaine

•         Nathanial Chebouli, aged 25, of Oakdale Court, Tameside, was sentenced to six years and six months for conspiracy to supply cocaine

•         Keiron Fleming, aged 23, of Low White Close, Barrow, was sentenced to six years and eight months for conspiracy to supply cocaine

•         Robert Rawlinson, aged 28, of Earle Street, Barrow, was sentenced to five years and four months for conspiracy to supply cocaine

•         Jordan Graham, aged 29, of Church Street, Barrow, was sentenced to four years for conspiracy to supply cocaine

•         Aaron Giacopazzi, aged 29, of St Elizabeths Close, Carlisle, was sentenced to six years for conspiracy to supply cocaine

•         Jason Farmer, aged 27, of Gilsland Road, Carlisle, was sentenced to six years for conspiracy to supply cocaine

•         Jake Barnes, aged 23, of Great Avenue, Carlisle, was sentenced to six years for conspiracy to supply cocaine

Detective Chief Inspector Andy Hill, Cumbria Constabulary Serious and Organised Crime Unit said:

“This has been a highly successful proactive operation which has led to a number of people being convicted for their involvement in the distribution of cocaine, cannabis and MCat into Cumbria from the Liverpool and Manchester areas. Another person was charged with possession with intent to supply cocaine but died on the morning of his trial.  

“The operation focused on targeting the head of this crime group, Patrick White, down to those responsible for transporting the drugs into Cumbria. These drugs were destined for towns and cities in the north, west and south of the county. The drugs were clearly labelled for their intended Cumbrian dealers which displayed the highly organised nature of the operation.

“Dismantling criminal networks like this can only be a positive thing for members of the public as the effects of drugs in the community can affect more than just dealers and drug users. We are committed at tackling the associated violence that transpires from the organised crime groups suppling cocaine within the community. 

“The force’s Serious and Organised Crime Unit actively target drug supply throughout the county undertaking proactive operations into all identified drug dealers.

“The results of this operation send out a clear message to criminal groups outside the county that Cumbria is not a soft touch to conduct such activity. We will continue to focus on organised crime groups and we will look to prosecute those involved that make the lives of so many a misery.”

Anyone with information on the supply of drugs is asked to contact police on 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.