Massive Wrexham Drug Bust Nets Heavy Sentences
Sixteen criminals convicted of running a huge Class A drug ring in Wrexham have been slammed with tough jail terms. The gang peddled crack cocaine and heroin worth a staggering £745,000. Another three pleaded guilty to being part of an organised crime group with links to Merseyside.
One key suspect, Matthew Philip Royce, skipped court and now faces arrest after a warrant was issued.
£745k Worth of Drugs and Evidence Seized
Police seized a whopping 7.45kg of Class A drugs during the bust. Graft phones, used for drug dealing, plus expensive property were also confiscated. The crackdown came after a six-month undercover op in 2020, involving more than 50 officers.
Raids targeted numerous addresses across Wrexham, including Caia Park, East Avenue, Hazel Grove, Wyndham Gardens, and more.
Senior Officers Praise Community and Police Work
“The sentences passed in the last two days should act as a strong deterrent to anyone considering any type of involvement with illegal drugs,” said DI Mark Hughes. “Drugs, especially Class A like cocaine and heroin, ruin lives. This operation has smashed a major supply network in Wrexham.”
DCI Alun Oldfield added: “The supply of Class A drugs is a huge concern, so we hope these sentences reassure the public. Many involved had links to theft and burglary too, so fewer crimes should follow.”
Sentences for The Ring Leaders
- 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
- Matthew Philip Royce, 31 (Tryweryn Place) – Failed to attend court; warrant issued
- Lewis Davies, 23 (Queens Street) – 2-year suspended sentence
- Nigel Rowley, 45 (no fixed address) – 7 years, 2 months
This landmark case sends a clear message: Wrexham won’t tolerate drug crime. Police and locals teamed up to shut down a toxic network poisoning communities.
