Members of an Organised Crime Gang (OCG) who orchestrated the large-scale supply of Class A and B drugs into Denbighshire have been jailed.
A total of 11 individuals, some of whom were related, were found to be involved in the drug operation and appeared for sentencing at Caernarfon Crown Court this week.
All were charged for their varying roles and involvement in the supply of cocaine, ketamine, and cannabis.
Cumulatively, three of the defendants received custodial sentences that totalled more than 22 years in prison.
Their convictions follow a detailed and long-running investigation led by the North Wales Police Serious and Organised Crime Unit.
‘Operation Scarab’ focused primarily on the criminal activities of the gang between July and December of 2024.
During this period, extensive intelligence gathering was undertaken by investigating officers who used covert policing and surveillance tactics to monitor the gang’s offending.
Primarily, the investigation was focused on the day-to-day activities and lifestyles of suspects within the criminal network.
Jake Kiernan, 32, of Abergele, was quickly established as the head of the gang’s illicit drug activity, directing and organising the selling of Class A and B substances on a commercial scale.
In early December 2024, a co-ordinated drug warrant was executed at an address in Denbighshire that was linked to the drug conspiracy as a suspected ‘stash house’ – a property used to conceal illegal substances.
During a targeted police raid in the vicinity of Vale View Terrace, Rhyl, officers recovered 1.3 kilograms of cocaine and 1.6 kilograms of ketamine.
The seized drugs were later tested and found to be of high purity, holding an estimated street value of more than £160,000.
On 5 December 2024, officers conducted a targeted traffic stop on the M56 motorway in Cheshire.
Driven by 30-year-old Ryan Potts, the vehicle had been linked to the drug conspiracy and was intercepted en route to Merseyside from North Wales.
Potts was subsequently found in possession of £32,000 in cash and arrested.
The police investigation identified 11 subjects within the wider criminal network, each of whom occupied varying roles and responsibilities within the OCG’s lucrative illegal operation.
DI Griffiths from the Serious and Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) said: “This was a detailed and intensive investigation, which drew heavily on the specialist skills of a large team of officers working within our Serious and Organised Crime team.
“Over a five-month period, the investigative team were able to assemble strong evidential files that allowed us to understand the workings of the drug enterprise.
“This vital work also enabled us to establish levels of individual involvement within this network and identify the routes through which Class A and B substances were being brought into Denbighshire and the surrounding area.
“Ultimately, it is the diligence and professionalism of our officers that has led to so many members of this organised criminal activity being convicted today.
“The sentences passed in relation to this case should be a strong deterrent to anyone considering any type of involvement with illegal drugs.
“Drugs, particularly substances like cocaine and ketamine, ruin lives, blight communities, and bring misery to users and their families.
“This investigation has dismantled an established supply network within Denbighshire.
“Today’s outcome should also send a clear message to those involved in organised crime that we will continue to take decisive action to dismantle organised crime and associated criminal networks.
“Tackling drug supply will remain a high priority for North Wales Police and we hope these convictions provide reassurance to the public that we are committed to keeping our communities safe.”
The full list of defendants and their respective charges is provided below:
- Jake Thomas Kiernan, 33, of Clos Elwy, Abergele was sentenced to eight years and seven months’ imprisonment for conspiracy to supply Class A drugs, two counts of conspiracy to supply Class B drugs, and conspiracy to produce a controlled Class B drug.
- Melanie Sandra Kiernan, 50, of Clos David Owen, Rhuddlan, was sentenced to 18 months’ imprisonment, suspended for 18 months, for her role in the conspiracy to supply Class B drugs, and permitting premises to be used for the supply of Class A drugs.
- James Kiernan, 48, of Whitby Road, Ellesmere Port, was sentenced to 20 months’ imprisonment, suspended for two years, for conspiracy to produce a controlled Class B drug.
- Nicholas Reynolds, 54, of Clos David Owen, Rhuddlan, was sentenced to seven years and two months’ imprisonment for conspiracy to supply Class A drugs, conspiracy to supply Class B drugs, and conspiracy to produce a controlled Class B drug.
- Jamie John Steele, 33, of Bridge Street, Rhyl, was sentenced to six years and nine months’ imprisonment for conspiracy to supply Class A drugs, and two counts of conspiracy to supply Class B drugs.
- Danielle Steele, 30, of Vale View Terrace, Rhyl, was sentenced to a three-year community order for her roles in the conspiracy to supply Class A drugs, and conspiracy to supply Class B drugs.
- Ryan Potts, 31, of Clos Elwy, Towyn, was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment, suspended for two years, for conspiracy to supply Class B drugs.
- Clair Rose Essery, 45, of Maes Glas Avenue, Denbigh, was sentenced to six months’ imprisonment, suspended for a year, for conspiracy to supply Class B drugs.
- Charlie Thorley, 26, of Nant Hall Road, Prestatyn, was sentenced to 21 months’ imprisonment, suspended for two years, for conspiracy to supply Class B drugs.
- Clint Woodcock, 45, of Kings Avenue, Rhyl, was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment, suspended for two years, for conspiracy to supply Class B drugs.
- Jermaine Lewis, 40, of Ffordd Aberkinsey, Rhyl, was sentenced to 18 months’ imprisonment, suspended for 18 months, for conspiracy to produce a controlled Class B drug.
