A gang of 16 men who ran a large-scale cannabis business have been handed more than 80 years behind bars after their crime group was ripped apart by police. Cheshire Police said the men ran a drug supply network which “operated at an industrial level” – sourcing kilos of cannabis predominately from the Manchester and Liverpool areas.
The drugs were then distributed in Ellesmere Port and Chester between April 12 2023, and March 7 2024. The force said once the cannabis was obtained, it was stored, prepared for onward sale, and later distributed to middle-market suppliers, who in turn supplied the drugs to others.
An investigation into the drugs ring was carried out by Cheshire Police’s serious and organised crime unit as part of Operation Heracles. Cheshire Police said the investigation found significant quantities of cannabis and cash was being stored in multiple storage units at Indigo Business Park in Ellesmere Port, with members of the drug gang visiting the location almost daily, as a base for their operation.
Police raids on units in the business park on November 12, 2023, uncovered almost £11,000 in cash and resulted in the seizure of cannabis worth up to £59,000, the force said. This resulted in further warrants being carried out on March 6 2024, involving more than 250 officers from Cheshire police targeting addresses linked to the gang across Ellesmere Port and Chester.
Out of the 16 members of the gang, all of whom were technically unemployed, police said 13 were arrested and charged following the warrants. More drugs and cash were also seized, bringing the total amount of money recovered in the investigation to more than £29,552. The total amount of cannabis seized was worth up to almost £98,000. Three other men were produced from prison and charged on March 20 2024.
Between Monday January 13 and Wednesday January 15 2025, the 16 individuals appeared at Chester Crown Court and were subsequently sentenced. Kyle Phillips, Joshua Burns, Jason Myers, Daniel Taylor, Adam Jones and Aiden Johnson were classed as having leading roles in the crime group. Between them, they made direct contact with upstream suppliers and were involved in the transportation, storage, and distribution of cannabis, as well as coordinating the supply of cannabis through subordinates.
Ryan Neild, Daniel Neild, Gary Tushingham, Nathan Elliott, Bailey Davies and Curtis Agarry were found to have had a significant role and were trusted members of the crime group, helping to collect, store and distribute cannabis. Thomas Cooper also held a significant role in the distribution of the drugs, along with Ethan McLaughlin, whereas Joseph Henry played a lesser role in the conspiracy.
Meanwhile, Patrick Knowles’ involvement amounted to assisting an organised crime group. You can view the faces of the gang below.
Following the sentencing, Detective Chief Inspector Nick Henderson said: “I welcome the sentences handed to these 16 individuals, who have collectively been put behind bars for more than 80 years. Each of these men were unemployed with no legitimate income but clearly reaped the benefits of their illegal activities. However, our officers embarked on a lengthy and detailed investigation and these individuals are now facing the consequences of their actions, while a large amount of class B drugs have been taken off the streets.
“Operation Heracles demonstrates our commitment to tacking organised crime and drugs offences. I hope this sends a warning to anyone who thinks they can commit drugs offences in Cheshire – you will be caught and held accountable.”
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