Organised drugs gang jailed for more than 40 years

The group, led by 36-year-old Zainul Aberdeen James, was found to have distributed large quantities of class A and B drugs as part of a wider organised crime network.

Lancashire Police's serious and organised crime unit identified James as the head of the operation.

He used his trusted couriers to collect, store and distribute large amounts of class A and B to drug users.

He also coordinated the collection of thousands of pounds of cash payment of these drugs, to be paid to upstream suppliers and trusted money launderers.

James had close links with suppliers overseas, who exported drugs to the UK on behalf of the crime group.

James, 36, of Coopers Way, Blackpool, was sentenced to 15 years in prison after admitting conspiracy to supply drugs.

His associates were also sentenced at court this week.

Saqib Khan, 27, of Fairfield Road, Bradford, West Yorkshire, was jailed for 12 years.

Rio Wilson-Heyes, 28, of Lydiate Close, Bolton, was jailed for seven years and seven months.

John Tremlett, 33, of Coronation Street, Blackpool, was jailed for five years and three months.

Connor Parkinson, 21, of Central Drive, Blackpool, was jailed for two years, suspended for 18 months. He was also ordered to undergo rehabilitation and do unpaid work.

All the above had admitted conspiracy to Supply Class A and Class B drugs

Layton Hart, 18, of Hartland, Skelmersdale, was given a youth rehabilitation order.

Sharmaine Rolston, 34, of Monarch Avenue, Bamber Bridge and Mickala Blows, 38, of Broddick Close, Broughton, were given community orders and ordered to undergo rehabilitation.

They had pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply Class B drugs.

Det Insp Steve Montgomery, of the Serious and Organised Crime Unit, said: “We will not rest in our commitment to tackle those who deal in illegal drugs.

"We will dismantle these gangs and put those involved before the courts.”