Sentencing of Wrexham drugs gang concludes

Members of a Wrexham drugs gang with links to organised crime have been sentenced to a total of 76 years in prison.

Earlier this month, seven defendants were jailed at Mold Crown Court after being found guilty of conspiracy to supply Class A drugs.

Today (Wednesday, 25 May) a further four gang members were sentenced for the same offence.

The prosecutions followed Operation Blue Kyanite, a North Wales Police investigation into class A drug supply in Wrexham and North Wales.

Extensive records obtained via the investigation showed the gang’s movements over the year of the conspiracy between March 2020-March 2021.

Investigating officers found that the drugs were sourced from a supplier in Merseyside and brought into Wrexham, where the head of the organised crime group was based.

In a conspiracy valued cumulatively in excess of £2million, trusted ‘couriers’ were used to transport the drugs and money.

Significant drug seizures were made during the course of the conspiracy, including a total of 2.5 kg, heroin, crack cocaine and cocaine.

In excess of £40,000 cash was also seized, as well as assets such as vehicles linked to the conspiracy.

Senior Investigating Officer, DI Mark Hughes said: “The sentences passed in relation to this case should be a strong deterrent to anyone considering any type of involvement with illegal drugs.

“Drugs, particularly Class A substances like cocaine and heroin, ruin lives and bring misery to users and their families.

“This investigation has dismantled an established supply network within Wrexham and that is testament to the diligent police work that went into bringing these cases to court.

“Many of those involved were trusted couriers for an organised crime gang and held respectable jobs outside of their criminality.

“Tackling drug supply will remain a high priority for North Wales Police and I hope that the public are reassured by these convictions and the sentences imposed.”

The details of all those involved are listed below, along with their respective sentences.

Thomas Wright, 45, of Fairfield Avenue in Roby (10 years, eight months).

Kevin Barry David Roberts, 43, of Plas Gwyn in Wrexham (six years, four months).

Robert Martin Reid, 37, of St David’s Crescent in Wrexham (six years, six months).

Mehmet Ali Karadas, 48, of Kingstown in Wrexham (six years, six months).

Julie Prile, 45, of Coed Efa in New Broughton (five years).

Cial Edward Prandle, 29, of Peris, Plas Madoc (six years, six months).

Jamie Wright, 23, of Hampden Way in Acrefair (four years, six months).

Levi Roberts, 27, of Royden Gardens, Wrexham (10 years)

Haydn Griffiths, 59, of Cefn Road, Wrexham (eight years, six months)

Paul Wilbraham, 50, of Blantern Way, Wrexham (five years)

Craig Roberts, 39, of Bryn Gwyn, Wrexham (six years, six months).