£833,000 Drugs Haul and Guns Seized in Major Police Bust
Police raided a unit on Kay Street in October 2019 and uncovered a massive stash: £480,000 worth of 80% pure cocaine locked in a safe, plus £353,000 of amphetamine chilling in a freezer.
The haul didn’t stop there. Officers found two handguns loaded with ammo and a silencer, plus a pump-action shotgun with shells. They also seized hydrochloric acid, parts of a drug press, and packaging materials—all pointing to a serious drug operation.
High-Tech Vans and CCTV Expose Gang
The premises were empty during the raid, but CCTV footage revealed Ben Snell and Damien Derbyshire regularly coming and going in the months leading up to the bust. The pair used Mercedes Citan and Citroen Berlingo vans, cleverly modified with hidden compartments to smuggle drugs.
Evidence from paperwork, payments, and mobile phones linked Derbyshire and Snell directly to the drug supply network.
DNA Links Bring Down Armed Dealers
Ryan O’Donnell was arrested after his DNA was found on a black and silver handgun recovered from the raid. His address on Corinthian Avenue also yielded cannabis, cocaine, and dealer debt lists.
Jay Thomas Carney was arrested the same day on Fairy Lane after his DNA was matched to the shotgun’s trigger guard.
Heavy Jail Terms for Drug and Gun Runners
- Damien Derbyshire, 43, from Accrington, admitted conspiracy to supply Class A and B drugs. He got six years behind bars.
- Ben Snell, 34, homeless, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply Class B drugs, plus possession of prohibited firearms and ammunition without certificates. He was jailed for nine years.
- Jay Thomas Carney, 24, of Salford, admitted unlawful shotgun possession and received two-and-a-half years in prison.
- Ryan O’Donnell, 32, also from Salford, pleaded guilty to multiple charges including possession and supply of Class A drugs, and possession of prohibited firearms. He was sentenced to nearly eight years behind bars.
Police Vow to Crack Down on Crime
“This was a complex investigation that brought down a ruthless organised crime group,” said DC Paul Hayes. “They thought they could hide their criminal empire, but our detective work and targeted policing dismantled it.”
“Organised crime and illegal guns won’t be tolerated on our streets. East Lancashire won’t be a safe haven for dealers and armed criminals. If you deal or arm yourself, we will find and prosecute you.”
DS Steve Munro from East CID praised his team and the Crown Prosecution Service for their professionalism. “This huge drugs haul would have flooded Lancashire streets, and three lethal weapons could have been used to cause serious harm or death,” he said.
“If anyone has info about crime in their area, call police on 101. We will act.”
