Blackpool drugs gang sentenced to more than 100 years in prison

A criminal network supplying drugs across Lancashire and beyond have been jailed for a total of more than 100 years following a major operation by Lancashire’s Serious and Organised Crime team.

They dismantled the operations of an individual who was orchestrating the supply of cocaine and cannabis from prison, along with a string of his associates.

On 27th February 2023 Chad James was arrested at Manchester Airport attempting to leave the United Kingdom travelling to Zurich. He was arrested following Operation Venetic – information passed to Lancashire Constabulary by the National Crime Agency following data being extracted from encrypted telephone network known as Encrochat which was used by criminals.

He later pleaded guilty to charges of conspiracy to supply class A and B controlled drugs, money laundering and conspiracy to supply a firearm. He was sentenced in August 2023 to 16 years in prison.

Despite being imprisoned in 2023 Chad James continued to operate as a drug supplier from his prison cell. James conspired with Mark McGovern who enlisted the help of others to courier and supply drugs and cash on their behalf.

James and other members of the Organised Crime Gang were jailed earlier this month following Operation Valiant conducted by the Serious and Organised Crime Unit.

James and most of the rest of the gang were from the Blackpool and Fylde areas, with one member from Preston and one from Bolton.

James was handed an additional four years 11 months on top of the previous sentence meaning a total of more than 20 years. That and the sentences for the rest of the gang totalled more than 100 years.

Det Ch Insp Tom Edmondson said: “Chad James was the man behind a sophisticated organised criminal gang supplying many kilos of drugs in Lancashire and beyond and I welcome these significant sentences.

“However, our work continues unabated. We are determined to leave no stone unturned in our efforts to rid local communities of organised crime and the misery it can cause.

“We will continue to relentlessly pursue those causing the most harm to our communities, we know there is more work to do and we’re continuing to go after more.

“I would urge anyone with information about organised crime to come forward. That might include information about drug dealing, human trafficking, counterfeiting or exploitation.

‘’If you suspect something, report it either by contacting us directly or calling independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously”. 

Operation Warrior is Lancashire Police’s response to tackling serious and organised crime in Lancashire, supported by Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw.

It aims to target the individuals and gangs involved in crime, as well as associated issues such as violence and intimidation, large scale drug supply, exploitation, and fraud, all of which can cause serious harm to local communities.

Sentences:

Chad James, 37, HMP Wymott (formerly Lytham Road, Blackpool. Conspiracy to supply cocaine and cannabis. Four years 11 months (20y 11m with previous sentence)

Mark McGovern, 62, Ingleway Avenue, Blackpool. Conspiracy to supply cocaine. 12 years six months

John Green, 43, Brodick Drive, Bolton. Conspiracy to supply cocaine. Seven years. Seven years

Sean Norbury, 37, Kingsland Grove, Blackpool. Conspiracy to supply cocaine. Seven years seven months

Adam Walker, 38, Fenber Avenue, Blackpool. Conspiracy to supply cocaine. Five years five months

Dean O’Hara, 30, Coopers Way, Blackpool. Conspiracy to supply cocaine. Six years.

Brandon Gaskell, 24, New Rough Hey, Preston. Conspiracy to supply cocaine. Four years ten months

Tony Johnson, 37, Horncliffe Road, Blackpool. Conspiracy to supply cannabis and possession with intent to supply cocaine. Four years five months.

Shawn Drinkwater, 40, Seabourne Avenue, Blackpool. Conspiracy to supply cannabis. 12 months.

Mark Harris, 32, Foxtail Close, Poulton le Fylde. Conspiracy to supply cocaine and cannabis. Eight years.

Brandon Vaughan, 32, Lytham Road, Blackpool. Conspiracy to supply cocaine and cannabis. Seven years six months

Andrew Walsh, 62, Greystoke Place, Blackpool. Conspiracy to supply cocaine. Eight years

Mark Senior, 34, Adstone Place, Blackpool. Possession with intent to supply cocaine and money laundering. 26 months

Peter James, 65, Scarsdale Avenue, Blackpool. Money laundering. 26 months.

Archie Fowler, 49, Carshalton Road, Blackpool. Money laundering. Three years

Nicola Sharples, 33, Lytham Road, Blackpool. Assisting an OCG. 16 months.

Christian Jarvis, 31, Priory Mews, Lytham St Annes. Assisting an OCG. 12 months