Five jailed for involvement in Preston drug supply network

A further five people have been sent to prison for their involvement in a Preston cocaine supply gang which was uncovered by Lancashire Police.

It follows the jailing last month of seven members of the supply network, including Daniel Roccia who headed the organisation.

A covert operation by the Serious and Organised Crime Unit snared the gang who were involved in transporting cocaine into Preston and its onward distribution within the city and to Carnforth and Carlisle.

Several blocks of high-purity cocaine were seized during the operation.

On Thursday and Friday last week (6^th and 7^th February), a second sentencing hearing took place at Preston Crown Court.

Five men received immediate prison sentences totalling more than 25 years after pleading guilty to conspiracy to supply Class A drugs.

Liam Davies, 36, of Main Street, Carnforth, was jailed for seven years and two months.

Samuel Higgins, 39, of no fixed address, was jailed for six years and 10 months.

James Miller, 27, of Oswald Street, Carlisle, was jailed for four years and one month.

John Bench, 37, of Old Millstones, Preston, was jailed for three years and 11 months.

Wayne Welburn, 39, of Watling Street Road, Preston, was jailed for three years and three months.

Det Sgt Stuart Dean of Lancashire Police, said: “I’m pleased with the sentences handed out by the judge to key individuals playing various roles within the drugs conspiracy through being a customer of Daniel Roccia directly, indirectly, or involved in the movement of cash or drugs.

“It has taken some time to finalise court proceedings due to the number of defendants in this case but I hope this sends out a clear message to those involved in the supply of controlled drugs that Lancashire Police will seen to disrupt, arrest and place you before the courts.”

Five other people were given suspended prison sentences at the same hearing last week.

Mark Skehan, 45, of Stanley Place, Preston, was given a two-year sentence suspended for 12 months, together with 150 hours of unpaid work in the community.

Cameron Parker, 23, of Highfield Road, Carnforth, was given a 20-month sentence, suspended for 12 months, with 150 hours of unpaid work in the community.

Jamie Matthews, 37, of Shady Grove Road, Carlisle, was given a 19-month sentence, suspended for 12 months, with 120 hours unpaid work.

Hayley Green, 41, of Troutbeck Crescent, Blackpool, was given a 33-week sentence, suspended for 12 months, with 60 hours unpaid work.

Anne O’Rourke, 41, of Dewhurst Avenue, Blackpool, was given a 22-month sentence, suspended for 12 months, with 100 hours unpaid work.

At the first sentence hearing on 23^rd and 24^th January, Daniel Roccia, 36, of Sherwood Avenue, Leyland, and six others were given prison sentences totalling nearly 50 years.

Roccia received the longest sentence, with him jailed for 12 years and four months.

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.