Big Drug Bust in Accrington: Six Jailed Over County Lines Crackdown
Operation Thunder smashed a major drug gang slinging cocaine, heroin, and cannabis across Accrington. At the top was Patrick Gavin, mastermind of a vicious organised crime group (OCG) running a network of “deal lines” for taking orders from users. Gavin controlled a crew of street dealers – many youths he groomed to be loyal runners, proudly calling themselves the “Conspiracy Squad.”
‘Conspiracy Squad’ Busted
The gang exploited vulnerable youngsters, turning them into drug runners who flaunted their criminal lifestyle. This week, three key members copped prison terms at Preston Crown Court, while several others had already been sentenced.
Det Sgt Stu Peall said: “This operation was launched after community concerns about children being exploited. These sentences reflect the serious nature of the crimes.”
“We’ll keep hunting criminals and urge anyone with info to contact police. Lancashire Constabulary treats county lines drug dealing with zero tolerance and will prosecute those exploiting young people.”
“County lines won’t win here. Those exploiting our kids should be looking over their shoulder – we will find you, wherever you hide.”
Sentences Delivered: Top Dealers Locked Up
- Patrick Gavin (Accrington): 12 years 4 months – OCG leader
- Aqueeb Ali (Haslingden): 8 years 1 month
- John Lomax (Accrington): 5 years 9 months – conspiracy to supply heroin and crack cocaine
- Ishan Nailen (Accrington): 2 years
- Leroy Wright (Accrington): 6 months – conspiracy to supply cannabis
Other gang members received suspended sentences, community orders, or rehabilitation orders including:
- Kieron Ashby & Cameron Newton (Oswaldtwistle): 2-year suspended sentences
- Brook Seery (Accrington): 12-month conditional discharge
- Various others involved in cannabis conspiracy and supply offences
More Sentencing Ahead
Callum Dunne and Dylan Ashby, both from Oswaldtwistle, are due to be sentenced on June 6 as investigations continue.
This crackdown sends a clear message: Lancashire’s police won’t tolerate drug gangs exploiting children. The “Conspiracy Squad” may have thought they were unstoppable – but now they’re behind bars.
