A gang of 16 individuals has been sentenced to over 80 years in prison after Cheshire Police successfully dismantled their large-scale cannabis operation. The group, which sourced large quantities of cannabis primarily from Manchester and Liverpool, ran a drug supply network operating at an industrial scale, primarily serving areas such as Ellesmere Port and Chester.
The operation lasted from April 12, 2023, to March 7, 2024. Once the drugs were procured, they were stored, processed, and distributed to middle-market suppliers, who subsequently sold them to others. The investigation, carried out by Cheshire Police’s Serious and Organised Crime Unit, was part of Operation Heracles. Investigators discovered that large quantities of cannabis and cash were being stored in multiple units at Indigo Business Park in Ellesmere Port, where the gang operated almost daily.
A significant breakthrough occurred on November 12, 2023, when police raided the units and seized nearly £11,000 in cash and cannabis worth up to £59,000. This led to further operations, including one on March 6, 2024, which involved over 250 officers targeting addresses tied to the gang across Ellesmere Port and Chester.
Out of the 16 members, 13 were arrested, with more drugs and cash seized, bringing the total amount of cash recovered to over £29,552 and cannabis worth nearly £98,000. Three other men were arrested later and charged in March 2024.
The gang’s leaders, including Kyle Phillips, Joshua Burns, Jason Myers, Daniel Taylor, Adam Jones, and Aiden Johnson, were involved in direct dealings with suppliers and were key figures in storing and distributing the cannabis. Other members such as Ryan Neild, Daniel Neild, Gary Tushingham, Nathan Elliott, Bailey Davies, and Curtis Agarry had significant roles in the operation, assisting with distribution and storage.
At Chester Crown Court between January 13-15, 2025, the 16 individuals were sentenced. Phillips received eight years, while Burns was sentenced to six years and four months, and Myers was given six years. Other members were handed varying sentences based on their involvement.
Following the sentencing, Detective Chief Inspector Nick Henderson stated, “I welcome the sentences handed down. These men, all unemployed, profited from illegal activities, and this operation demonstrates our commitment to tackling organised crime. Those involved in drugs offences in Cheshire should understand – you will be caught and face the consequences.”