£830,000 Drug Stash and Guns Busted in East Lancashire Raid
Police stormed a unit on Kay Street in October 2019 and hit the jackpot of criminal evidence. They found a locked safe packed with £480,000 of 80% pure cocaine along with a freezer holding £353,000 worth of amphetamine.
But that’s not all. Officers also uncovered:
- Two handguns with ammo and a silencer
- A pump-action shotgun with shells
- Two bottles of hazardous hydrochloric acid
- Parts of a drugs press and packaging materials
No one was caught on site. However, CCTV nailed Ben Snell and Damien Derbyshire visiting the place multiple times before the raid.
Hidden Van Compartments and DNA Links
Police seized Mercedes Citan and Citroen Berlingo vans with secret compartments used by Snell and Derbyshire to transport drugs to and from the unit. Paperwork, phone data, and payments tied them directly to the drug operation.
Meanwhile, forensic teams found DNA evidence linking two other suspects to the weapons:
- Ryan O’Donnell was arrested on Corinthian Avenue, Manchester, after his DNA was found on a black and silver handgun. Police uncovered cannabis, cocaine, and drug debt lists at his address.
- Jay Thomas Carney, caught the same day at Fairy Lane, Manchester, after his DNA turned up on the shotgun trigger.
Jail Sentences for Drug Lords and Gunmen
- Damien Derbyshire, 43, admitted conspiracy to supply Class A and B drugs. He was jailed for six years.
- Ben Snell, 34, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply Class B drugs and illegal possession of multiple firearms. He got nine years behind bars.
- Jay Thomas Carney, 24, pleaded guilty to unlawful shotgun possession and was sentenced to two and a half years.
- Ryan O’Donnell, 32, admitted possessing a prohibited firearm and involvement in Class A drug supply. He received almost eight years in prison.
Police Praise Teamwork and Send a Warning
“This was a complex investigation that dismantled an organised criminal gang,” said DC Paul Hayes. “They thought they could hide their crimes, but we found them and took action.”
“East Lancashire isn’t a safe haven for drug dealers or armed criminals. We will find you and bring you to justice.”
Detective Sergeant Steve Munro added, “This massive drugs haul could have flooded the streets, and the weapons posed a deadly threat. We salute all officers and Crown Prosecution Service colleagues who worked tirelessly on this case.”
He urged the public, “If you see illegal activity, ring 101. We’re committed to protecting our communities.”
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