Drug Gang Boss and Six Operatives Locked Up in Major North Wales Crackdown
Six men have been jailed for nearly 40 years combined, and two women handed suspended sentences, after police smashed a major Class A drug ring supplying North Wales. Officers from North Wales and Merseyside dismantled the organised crime group flooding the region with high purity cocaine. Another man faces sentencing tomorrow.
Kingpin Paul Price Gets 11 Years for Running North Wales Cocaine Pipeline
At Mold Crown Court today, 55-year-old Paul Price, the gang’s ringleader, was sentenced to 11 years and 4 months. Price masterminded the supply of premium cocaine from Merseyside into North Wales, running the entire operation.
Working closely with Price was 38-year-old Ryan Hope, who received the same sentence for his key organisational role.
Sub-Dealers and Couriers Face the Jail
- Phillip Thomas Owens, 54, used his Meredith Crescent address to stash drugs after another base was shut down. He was jailed for 5 years.
- Malcolm Griffiths, 64, a frequent bulk buyer with a £39,200 debt to Price, was also handed 5 years.
- Farrell Anthony Denton, 34, received 3½ years as a sub-dealer.
- Robert Thomas, 53, Price’s trusted driver, was jailed for 3½ years.
Women Behind the Scenes Get Suspended Sentences
Ryan Hope’s partner, Kayleigh Crumpton, 35, helped recruit courier Rebecca Theresa Entwistle and facilitated communications. She was given a two-year suspended sentence.
Entwistle, 27, transported cocaine from Liverpool to a base on Coast Road, Rhyl, under the watch of Alan Williams. She too received a two-year suspended sentence.
Williams, 48, a sub-dealer operating out of the Rhyl property, remains remanded and is due for sentencing tomorrow.
Police Send Clear Warning to North Wales Drug Dealers
Detective Inspector Richard Sidney of the Serious and Organised Crime Unit said: “This was a sophisticated and well-developed criminal enterprise designed to flood the streets of Rhyl and beyond with illegal Class A drugs. Today’s sentences show how seriously we take these crimes.”
“Let this be a clear message: if you supply drugs, you are not welcome in North Wales.”
Local Inspector Kevin Smith added: “This outcome reflects the huge impact organised crime groups have on our community. We will keep disrupting County Lines and any activities bringing harm and misery to our residents.”
