TWO more members of an organised gang responsible for the supply of illegal drugs across Warrington and Cheshire are behind bars.
The pair, Andrew Philips (right) and Richard Oliver (left) were the remaining members of the gang to be sentenced as part of Operation Brae.
Phillips, aged 28, who was the head of the organised crime gang – was sentenced at Chester Crown Court last Friday to 9 years 6 months while Oliver, aged 29 was sentenced at Warrington Crown Court yesterday (Tuesday) to 4 years and 3 months. He acted as a courier for Phillips..jpg?w=150)
Operation Brae was the result of months of intelligence gathering by a dedicated team of officers in relation to the activities of a number of people.
Cheshire Police?s Force Crime Operations Unit was involved in the investigation, which ran between July 2012 and November 2012.
It focused on the organised crime gang, which was based in Warrington and Runcorn and was responsible for sourcing and supplying cocaine throughout Cheshire and North Wales.
During the course of the operation it is believed that between 3½ and 6½ kilos of cocaine was distributed by this organised crime group ? estimated at a value of between £144,000 and £245,000.
Phillips, formerly of Runcorn, was arrested on 18 April 2013 at an address in Liverpool – detectives had conducted an in depth investigation to locate Phillips who had been wanted for four months.
Detective Sergeant Chris Hole, of Cheshire Police?s Force Crime Operations Unit, said: “Phillips ran a highly organised and sophisticated drugs supply network throughout Cheshire and North Wales. He lived a lavish life, which he funded from the profits of his drug dealing. A four month search for Phillips resulted in his arrest at a terraced house in Liverpool. The extent of the search highlights the commitment of Cheshire Police to bring to justice those who profit from distributing drugs throughout Cheshire and further a field.
“Illegal drugs have no place in Cheshire and we are committed to tackling the issue. The message is clear – we will not tolerate any sort of illegal behaviour within the local community and we will continue to pursue and deal with those people who believe they can involve themselves in this type of activity and get away with it.
Operation Brae followed on from Operation Cortex and Operation Knock ? both high-profile drugs operations in Warrington, which resulted in 26 men being sentenced to more than 100 years behind bars for offences of conspiracy to supply and distribute Class A drugs.
DS Hole added: “Following the arrests and charges as part of Operation Cortex and Operation Knock a void was left in the illegal drugs market within Warrington. Detectives continued to monitor the movements of this latest gang as part of Operation Brae resulting in a number of further arrests and charges.
“This latest investigation has once again struck at the heart of an organised crime gang by removing the hierarchy who organise the drug supply and reap the benefits from the profits generated.
“We hope that the successful conclusion to this operation will reassure members of the public that we are actively targeting and successfully prosecuting those involved in the supply and distribution of illegal drugs.
“We cannot stress how important information is from members of the public in the fight against drug related crime. We would urge the people of Cheshire to support the efforts of local officers and anyone with any information in relation to suspected drug use or supply is urged to call Cheshire Police on 101. Information can also be left anonymously, via Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111.”
Both men were sentenced just days after Cheshire Police carried out an operation to highlight the ImpACT of criminal activity, especially drugs, on the local community and how organised criminals are involved in the supply of drugs. The ImpACT day raised awareness with members of the public about what ACTion Cheshire Police is taking to tackle criminal activity and how information is key to police taking action. The call to action is for members of the public to report organised criminality and drug dealing through their local officers or via 101 or Crimestoppers.
*Last March, eight men involved in the gang, including four from Warrington, were sentenced to more than 35 years behind bars for conspiracy to supply cocaine.
