More than 20 people have been locked up in a major drug bust that shattered a huge Class A supply ring in Wrexham. Crack cocaine and heroin were at the heart of the conspiracy, which raked in an eye-watering £745,000 and saw officers seize 7.45kg of deadly drugs.
Gang Busted in Massive Wrexham Drug Operation
Last year’s trial saw 16 defendants found guilty of conspiracy to supply Class A drugs, mainly crack cocaine and heroin. Three others admitted their roles in an organised crime gang linked to Merseyside. But one key suspect, Matthew Philip Royce, skipped court, and a warrant has been issued for his arrest.
The investigation was no small feat. Over six months in 2020, police conducted surveillance, gathered intelligence, and executed over 50 officers in coordinated raids across Caia Park and other Wrexham hotspots. Addresses on East Avenue, Hazel Grove, Wyndham Gardens, and more were targeted.
Graft Phones and Luxury Loot Seized
Authorities didn’t just nab drugs—they also confiscated graft phones used to run the drug trade and high-value property. The police crackdown dismantled a well-established network dealing misery to communities.
Police Praise and Community Support
“The sentences passed in the last two days should act as a strong deterrent to anyone considering involvement with illegal drugs,” said Senior Investigating Officer DI Mark Hughes. “The judge commended North Wales Police for their top-notch investigative work. This operation smashed a major supply chain in Wrexham, thanks to diligent police work and vital tips from local residents.”
DCI Alun Oldfield added: “The supply of Class A drugs is a huge worry for communities. These tough sentences send a clear message. Many of those convicted were linked to other crimes like theft and burglary, so we expect crime rates to drop now.”
Sentences Handed Down
- Ben William Brown, 32, East Avenue – 11 years, 3 months
- Todd Connor Brown, 26, Hazel Grove – 11 years, 3 months
- Jake Luke Rowley, 25, Bryn Offa – 11 years, 3 months
- Francis David Delplacido, 30, Grango Lane – 8 years, 3 months
- Zoe Platt, 29, Grango Lane – 9 years
- Tia Platt, 22, Gwenfro – 6 years, 9 months
- Stacey Martin, 27, Gwenfro – 2-year suspended sentence
- Sean Skimmings, 31, Hoole Road, Chester – 6 years, 9 months
- Bradley Sandford, 25, Glan Gors – 6 years, 9 months
- Lewis Paul Morris, 20, Y Wern – 6 years
- Levi Rowlands, 21, Gwenfro – 8 years, 6 months
- Aaron Martin, 31, no fixed address – 6 years, 9 months
- Nathan Gordon Thomas, 26, no fixed address – 6 years, 9 months
- Samantha Pemberton, 35, Y Wern – 8 years
- Kim Michelle Williams, 48, no fixed address – 8 years, 3 months
- James William Royce, 30, Portal Avenue – 6 years, 9 months
- Lewis Davies, 23, Queens Street – 2-year suspended sentence
- Nigel Rowley, 45, no fixed address – 7 years, 2 months
Matthew Philip Royce, 31, of Tryweryn Place, remains at large after failing to attend court.
This high-profile drug takedown sends a clear warning to others: crime won’t pay in Wrexham any more.
