Top Drug Gang Boss Locked Up in Accrington County Lines Crackdown
Patrick Gavin, the kingpin of a ruthless drug gang, has been jailed for over 12 years following a major police operation targeting cocaine, heroin, and cannabis supply in Accrington. The gang ran multiple “deal lines,” dispatching drugs via a network of street dealers and runners, many of them vulnerable youths groomed into crime.
“Conspiracy Squad” Youths Recruited and Exploited
These street dealers proudly called themselves the “Conspiracy Squad”, dazzled by the criminal lifestyle Gavin pushed on them. The gang exploited young people, pulling them into dangerous drug distributing roles across the town.
Detective Sergeant Stu Peall from the East Vulnerability and Exploitation Team said:
“This operation was sparked by community concerns and intelligence on child exploitation. These sentences reflect the serious nature of the offences.”
“Lancashire Constabulary is committed to tackling county lines drug-dealing and protecting exploited youths. Offenders should watch their backs—we will find you, no matter where you hide.”
Heavy Sentences for Gang Members
- Patrick Gavin (b. 1993), Accrington – 12 years 4 months
- Aqueeb Ali (b. 1994), Haslingden – 8 years 1 month
- John Lomax (b. 1975), Accrington – 5 years 9 months
- Ishan Nailen (b. 1994), Accrington – 2 years
- Leroy Wright (b. 2000), Accrington – 6 months
- Others received suspended sentences, community orders, or conditional discharges for cannabis and heroin supply conspiracy.
Ongoing Enforcement and Future Sentencing
Two more gang members, Callum Dunne and Dylan Ashby from Oswaldtwistle, face sentencing on June 6. Police vow to keep clamping down on drug exploitation rings and protect vulnerable communities from the scourge of county lines crime.
Lancashire’s crackdown sends a clear message: the “Conspiracy Squad” and their ilk won’t escape justice.
