Drugs Kingpin and Crew Nabbed in Accrington County Lines Crackdown
Patrick Gavin led a ruthless drug gang pushing cocaine, heroin, and cannabis across Accrington. The organised crime group ran several deal lines, taking orders from users and sending out drugs via street dealers and runners—many shockingly young and groomed by Gavin himself.
These teen dealers proudly called themselves the “Conspiracy Squad.” But their reign is over.
Heavy Jail Sentences for County Lines Crew
This week, Preston Crown Court handed down stiff sentences following Operation Thunder, a probe launched after community concerns about child exploitation linked to drug dealing.
Detective Sergeant Stu Peall from the East Vulnerability and Exploitation Team said:
“This operation was carried out following community concerns about the exploitation of children. I welcome these sentences which reflect the seriousness of the crimes.
“Lancashire Constabulary is committed to hunting down drug dealers exploiting vulnerable young people. If you have information on crime in your area, come forward. We take your concerns seriously and will act professionally.”
“County Lines will NOT succeed in Lancashire. Those exploiting children should be looking over their shoulder—we will find and prosecute you, no matter where you hide.”
Who’s Been Locked Up?
- Patrick Gavin (b.1993, Charter Street, Accrington) – Jailed for 12 years and 4 months.
- Aqueeb Ali (b.1994, Rock Street, Haslingden) – Jailed for 8 years and 1 month.
- Ishan Nailen (b.1994, ‘Iceman’ Park Road, Accrington) – Jailed for 2 years.
- John Lomax (b.1975, Victoria Street, Accrington) – Jailed for 5 years and 9 months for conspiracy to supply heroin and crack cocaine.
- Leroy Wright (b.2000, Reeth Way, Accrington) – 6 months jail for cannabis supply conspiracy.
- Shane Murray (b.1985, Parkinson Street, Haslingden) – 40 months imprisonment for conspiracy to supply cannabis.
Others Get Suspended or Community Orders
- Kieron Ashby (b.2004) and Cameron Newton (b.2003) each received two-year suspended sentences.
- Brook Seery got a 12-month conditional discharge.
- Various others, including Tyler Branch, Philip Smalley, and Scott Melia, received community orders.
- Youth offenders got rehabilitation orders and curfews.
More Sentences Due Soon
Callum Dunne and Dylan Ashby, both from Oswaldtwistle, are set to be sentenced on June 6.
Thanks to vigilant policing and community tips, Lancashire’s crackdown on county lines continues to protect vulnerable kids and bring dealers to justice.
