Kingpin and Crew Jailed for Drug Empire in Preston
Big-time drug dealer Niall McFarlane and his gang have been locked up for nearly 60 years in total after a massive Lancashire police probe uncovered their deadly Class A drug operation.
Operation Whistler Nails Heroin and Cocaine Gang
The investigation, dubbed Operation Whistler, exposed how McFarlane, the gang’s ringleader, bought bulk heroin and cocaine wholesale. His crew then cut and sold the drugs through secret “drug lines” using encrypted phones.
The gang relied on the EncroChat encrypted network to keep their deals under wraps — until the National Crime Agency took down the servers in 2020 as part of Operation Venetic. Detectives spent months gathering evidence to bring McFarlane, aka “Rawbear,” and his team to justice.
Nearly 60 Years for Preston’s Most Notorious Dealers
- Niall McFarlane, 29, Maxy House Road – 11 years 3 months
- Pritesh Chohan, 29, Lyndon Close – 10 years
- Ben Sanders, 31, Lovat Road – 9 years 6 months
- Daniel Quinn, 30, Holme Slack Lane – 9 years
- Steven Crook, 31, Westfield Drive – 7 years 6 months
- Owen Collier, 23, Woodacre Road – 5 years 4 months
- Daniel Hughes, 38, Lovat Road – 4 years
- Ethan Knowles, 21, Maple Grove – 2 years suspended
All but Knowles pled guilty to conspiracy to supply heroin, cocaine, and money laundering. Knowles admitted conspiracy to supply heroin and cocaine only.
Cop on the Case: ‘Dangerous Dealers Off Our Streets’
“This was a significant and complex investigation that has culminated in nearly 60 years of jail time,” said Detective Constable Richard Shires. “This organised crime group brought misery to Preston and beyond, driven only by greed with zero regard for the damage they cause.”
“Drug dealing tears communities apart. We are committed to chasing down serious organised crime and putting offenders behind bars. These sentences send a clear message that the courts take this extremely seriously.”
“I’m pleased these dangerous criminals are off our streets for the foreseeable future. We hope the community feels safer knowing we’re fighting back hard against crime.”
