Five men involved in conspiracy to supply Class A and B drugs into Wrexham jailed for over 44 years

Five people involved in a conspiracy to supply Class A and B drugs into the Wrexham area have been jailed for a total of more than 44 years, whilst two others received suspended sentences.

Police say that an operation that spanned from October 2022 to January 2023, 36 year old Sean Anthony Gaunt was the local head of a distribution network supplied by 39 year old Anthony James Taylor, from Merseyside.

Gaunt and Taylor used several couriers namely Michael Barr, John Jones, David Humphreys, William Lord and Thomas Jones.

Police say that the gang used a variety of cars, vans and taxis to transport drugs and were observed during a sophisticated surveillance operation involving Detectives, local officers and Roads Crime Unit officers, as well as colleagues from Merseyside Police.

The sentences were as follows:

• Michael Barr (40) of Thomas Street, Widnes – 8 years
• Sean Gaunt (36) of No Fixed Abode – 10 years, 8 months and 2 years, 8 months to run concurrent.
• David Humphreys (41) of Havard Way, Wrexham – 6 years, 8 months
• John Jones (63) of Churchill Drive, Wrexham– 6 years, 8 months
• Anthony Taylor (40) of Knowles House Avenue, Eccleston, St Helens – 12 year, 9 months
• Thomas Jones (24) of Maesteg, Brynteg, Wrexham – 9 months, suspended
• William Lord (30) 0f Coed Efa, New Broughton, Wrexham– 9 months, suspended

Speaking after sentencing, Detective Chief Inspector Mark Hughes said: “Today’s sentences reflect the severity of the crimes we have investigated over a protracted period.

“Tackling serious and organised crime is a priority for us and we will continue to work with colleagues from neighbouring forces to ensure that borders are no barrier to ensuring that drug dealers face justice.

“Those that perpetrate criminal activities such as these are not welcome in north Wales and I welcome today’s sentences.”

Pictures: North Wales Police