CHESTER, U.K. – Three men involved in a large-scale drug supply operation across Chester and north Wales have been sentenced to a combined total of over 20 years in prison.
Paul Ibell, 32, Sean Mooney, 29, and Edward Kaye, 30, were at the center of an organised crime group (OCG) distributing bulk amounts of cocaine and cannabis under the guise of legitimate businesses.
Business Fronts for Drug Trafficking
Ibell and Mooney co-owned a painting and decorating business, which they used as a cover for transporting drugs and conducting criminal meetings. Their associate, Kaye, helped cultivate cannabis at a property in north Wales.
The operation was uncovered through ‘Operation Leonardo’, an investigation by Cheshire Constabulary’s Serious and Organised Crime Unit (SOCU). The probe stemmed from the EncroChat data leak, a secretive encrypted messaging service used by criminals.
Between March and June 2020, Ibell, using the alias “Holysoda,” conspired with other drug suppliers to distribute at least 43 kilos of cannabis and up to 3 kilos of cocaine.
Stash Houses and Drug Supply Chain
Investigators found that Ibell and Mooney worked with an Albanian OCG, receiving bulk cannabis shipments which they stored in stash houses in Chester and Ellesmere Port before selling to lower-level dealers.
A cannabis farm operated by the group was uncovered in Gresford, Wrexham, containing over 60 plants in a sophisticated set-up. Police raids at various locations seized large amounts of cannabis, cash, and drug paraphernalia.
Authorities estimate the OCG supplied at least 200 kilos of cannabis across Chester, Merseyside, and north Wales.
Sentencing at Chester Crown Court
The three men were arrested on March 6, 2024, and later pleaded guilty to drug conspiracy charges.
On February 26, 2025, at Chester Crown Court, they received the following sentences:
Paul Ibell – 16 years for conspiracy to supply cocaine and cannabis
Sean Mooney – 5 years for conspiracy to supply cannabis
Edward Kaye – 3 years, 4 months for conspiracy to supply cannabis
Authorities say the convictions deal a major blow to organised drug trafficking in the region.
