Major Drug Ring Busted in Blackpool and Wyre
Police have smashed a huge Class A drug supply operation running between October 2020 and June 2021. The gang flooded Blackpool and surrounding areas with cocaine, crack cocaine, and heroin before pushing them onto the streets.
Operation Warrior Takes Down Dealers
Officers from the West Targeted Crime Unit launched Operation Warrior to tackle organised criminals importing bulk quantities of illegal drugs into Blackpool, Wyre, and Fylde. The investigation led to the arrests and convictions of several key players.
A Wyre-based gang including Michael Welsh, Gary Johnson, Kristoffer Pilkington, and Christopher Dixon was nailed for distributing cocaine. Meanwhile, Daniel Myerscough headed another supply ring dealing crack cocaine, heroin, and cocaine, operating with assistance from others inside and outside prison.
Prison Phones Used to Run Drug Lines
Notably, James Black, who was serving time for drug trafficking, ran drug deal phone lines from behind bars using four separate numbers. These lines advertised drugs for sale and connected customers directly with dealers. Myerscough regularly liaised with deal line operators and those owing him money.
Strong Sentences Send Warning to Dealers
Det Insp Kathryn Riley of Lancashire Police said: “This was a complex investigation which targeted offenders bringing large quantities of Class A drugs into Blackpool, Wyre and Fylde. We targeted people operating at different levels within organised crime groups.”
“The operation led to a large number of convictions and the length of sentences handed out shows how seriously drug supply is taken.”
“Drugs can do serious harm to communities and this sends a clear message – we won’t tolerate drug dealing.”
Andrew Snowden, Police and Crime Commissioner for Lancashire, added: “This is another great example of the daily work officers do to disrupt and dismantle organised crime gangs. Operation Warrior fights crime and puts criminals behind bars.”
“These results make Lancashire safer, which is exactly what the public want. I urge anyone with information to come forward and help us bring these criminals to justice.”
Sentences Handed Down at Preston Crown Court
- Michael Welsh, 56 (Ash Road, Thornton) – 8 years 8 months
- Gary Johnson, 63 (Rede Avenue, Fleetwood) – 5 years 5 months
- Daniel Myerscough, 34 (Stoneway Road, Thornton) – 10 years
- James Black, 37 (Kildare Avenue, Thornton) – 13 years
- Alan Laughlin, 54 (Lune Grove, Blackpool) – 7 years 6 months
- Kyle Sullivan, 36 (Springwood Grove, Liverpool) – 9 years
- Christopher Sharrock, 30 (Lancaster Road, Wigan) – 10 years
- Christopher Dixon, 31 (Swallow Close, Thornton) – 2 years 5 months
- Kristoffer Pilkington, 41 (Blackpool Road, Poulton) – 2 years 9 months
- Debra Curran, 56 (Airdrie Place, Blackpool) – 5 years 5 months
- Anthony Hayes, 35 (Lennox Court, Blackpool) – 4 years 6 months
- Anthony Judge, 53 (Promenade, Blackpool) – 2 years 2 months
- Liam Kelly, 52 (Kairnryan Close, Bispham) – 4 years 6 months
- Craig Wright, 39 (no fixed address) – 9 years
- Jake Belcher, 23 (Salthouse Avenue, Blackpool) – 3 years 6 months
- Tony Butcher, 34 (Airdrie Place, Blackpool) – 4 years 5 months
- Kyle McCabe, 27 (Coleridge Road, Blackpool) – 3 years 6 months
- Saul Harvey, 24 (Nolan Street, Manchester) – 2 years 2 months
- Jack Houghton, 23 (School Road, Blackpool) – 3 years
- Jae Prince, 33 (Westmorland Road, Blackpool) – 2 years 8 months
- William Welsh, 25 (Warley Road, Blackpool) – 4 years 4 months
- Andrew Sweet, 47 (Falmouth Road, Blackpool) – 6 years
- Ryan Taylor, 22 (Acorn Mews, Blackpool) – 4 years 6 months
- John Kirkwood, 39 (George Street, Blackpool) – 5 years 5 months
- Daniel Holt, 24 (First Avenue, Blackpool) – 2 years
- Darren Thomas, 32 (Dinmore Avenue, Blackpool) – 3 years
These tough sentences show a clear crackdown on drug crime across Lancashire. Police warn dealers: your time is up. Communities will be protected – no excuses.
