Six Yorkshire Cannabis Kingpins Locked Up for 34 Years
Six crooks tied to a massive cannabis ring across North and West Yorkshire have been slapped with a total of 34 years behind bars. The organised crime gang, busted for large-scale cannabis growing and supply, finally faced justice thanks to a long-running police crackdown.
Operation Executive Crushes Drug Empire
North Yorkshire Police’s Organised Crime Unit spearheaded Operation Executive, a two-year probe that tore apart the drug network. The guilty were sentenced at Leeds Crown Court over two days in late May and early June, after being found guilty or pleading guilty to cannabis production, supply, and related offences.
Meet the Heavy Hitters
- Alan Barker, 56, from Selby – nine years and nine months for conspiracy to produce and supply cannabis, possession of a sawn-off shotgun, and refusing to unlock devices.
- Gary Barker, 53, Liversidge – six years and three months for conspiracy and refusing to provide device passwords.
- Steven Annis, 40, Goole – sentenced to five and a half years for conspiracy to produce and supply cannabis.
- James Dalton, 40, Byram – five and a half years for conspiracy charges.
- Kastriot Molla, 44, Halifax – three years and six months for conspiracy to supply cannabis.
- Michael Demes, 55, Thorne – three years and six months for conspiracy to supply cannabis.
More Sentences Hit Other Gang Members
Beyond the main six, several other gang members took community orders, suspended sentences, and unpaid work penalties. This tough crackdown deals a serious blow to the regional drug trade, proving law enforcement is dead-set on smashing organised crime and keeping illicit drugs off the streets.
