Denbighshire drugs gang leaders jailed for over 20 years

The ringleaders of a drugs gang attempting to bring cocaine and other substances to Denbighshire have been jailed for a total of more than 20 years, whilst their accomplices received a range of suspended jail terms.

Jake Thomas Kiernan, 33, of Clos Elwy, Towyn, Jamie John Steele, 33, of Bridge Street, Rhyl and Nicholas Reynolds, 54, of Clos David Owen, Rhuddlan, received terms totalling 21 years and nine months following a two-day sentencing hearing at Caernarfon Crown Court.

The court heard Jake Kiernan had been the leader and used his legitimate Fuel Bar smoothie and takeaway business in Rhyl to launder proceeds. Gang members had been involved in various offences involving cocaine, ketamine or cannabis.

Police discovered approximately 1.3 kilograms of cocaine in accomplice Danielle Steele’s home. However, Her Honour Nicola Jones determined that prosecutors had not proven that “seven to ten” empty containers which had a “white residue” in them had housed additional cocaine, stating such a claim was “in the realms of speculation”.

She therefore rounded down the value of the cocaine involved in the conspiracy to £24,000 to £32,000, rather than the potential street value of £1,136,200 as suggested by the prosecution. Cannabis was valued at £64,000 to £106,000, whilst ketamine was valued at £48,540. The judge confirmed that Proceeds of Crime Act proceedings will be brought against the relevant defendants next year.

The convictions follow a detailed and long-running investigation led by the North Wales Police Serious and Organised Crime Unit. “Operation Scarab” focused primarily on the criminal activities of the gang between July and December 2024, during which extensive intelligence gathering was undertaken using covert policing and surveillance tactics.

Detective Inspector Griffiths, of the Serious and Organised Crime Unit (SOCU), said: “This was a detailed and intensive investigation, which drew heavily on the specialist skills of a large team of officers working within our Serious and Organised Crime team.

“Over a five-month period, the investigative team were able to assemble strong evidential files that allowed us to understand the workings of the drug enterprise.

“This vital work also enabled us to establish levels of individual involvement within this network and identify the routes through which Class A and B substances were being brought into Denbighshire and the surrounding area.

“Ultimately, it is the diligence and professionalism of our officers that has led to so many members of this organised criminal activity being convicted today.

“The sentences passed in relation to this case should be a strong deterrent to anyone considering any type of involvement with illegal drugs.

“Drugs, particularly substances like cocaine and ketamine, ruin lives, blight communities, and bring misery to users and their families.

“This investigation has dismantled an established supply network within Denbighshire.

“Today’s outcome should also send a clear message to those involved in organised crime that we will continue to take decisive action to dismantle organised crime and associated criminal networks.

“Tackling drug supply will remain a high priority for North Wales Police and we hope these convictions provide reassurance to the public that we are committed to keeping our communities safe.”

The sentences:

Immediate custody:

• Jake Thomas Kiernan, 33, of Clos Elwy, Towyn: Eight years and seven months for conspiring to supply cocaine between July 19 and December 17, 2024. He also received concurrent four-year jail terms for two counts of conspiring to supply class B controlled drugs and conspiring to produce cannabis during the same period.
• Nicholas Reynolds, 54, of Clos David Owen, Rhuddlan: Seven years for conspiring to supply cocaine between July 19 and December 17, 2024. He also received concurrent terms of 20 months for conspiring to supply class B controlled drugs and 22 months for conspiring to produce cannabis during the same period.
• Jamie John Steele, 33, of Bridge Street, Rhyl: Six years for conspiring to supply cocaine between July 19 and December 17, 2024. He also received concurrent terms of two years and eight months for two counts of conspiring to supply class B controlled drugs during the same period.

Suspended sentences:

• Melanie Sandra Kiernan, 50, of Clos David Owen, Rhuddlan: 18-month jail term suspended for 18 months for conspiring to supply class B controlled drugs between July 19 and December 17, 2024. She must complete ten days of rehabilitation activity and wear a tag during a six-month curfew. She also received 12 months suspended for 18 months for permitting the use of premises for the supply of cocaine during the same period.
• James Kiernan, 48, of Whitby Road, Ellesmere Port: 20 months suspended for two years for conspiring to produce cannabis between July 19 and December 17, 2024. The judge noted he has an autistic child who needed him. Kiernan, who is a hospital porter, must complete ten days of rehabilitation activity.
• Ryan Potts, 31, of Clos Elwy, Towyn: 24-month jail term suspended for 24 months for conspiring to produce cannabis between July 19 and December 17, 2024.
• Clair Rose Essery, 45, of Maes Glas, Denbigh: Six-month jail term suspended for 12 months for conspiring to supply class B controlled drugs between July 19 and December 17, 2024. She must also attend 15 rehabilitation sessions and complete a 12-session mental health treatment programme.
• Charlie Thorley, 26, of Nant Hall Road, Prestatyn: 21-month jail sentence suspended for 24 months for conspiring to supply cannabis between July 19 and December 17, 2024. He must also complete ten days of rehabilitation activity and 150 hours of unpaid work.
• Clint Woodcock, 45, of Kings Avenue, Rhyl: 21-month jail term suspended for two years for conspiring to supply cannabis between July 19 and December 17, 2024. He must also attend 15 rehabilitation activity days and wear a tag during a year-long curfew between 9pm and 6am.

Community order:

• Danielle Steele, 30, of Vale View Terrace, Rhyl: Three-year community order for conspiring to supply cocaine between July 19 and December 17, 2024. She must attend 15 days of rehabilitation activity and wear a trail monitoring tag for a year. For conspiring to supply ketamine during the same period she received a 19-month community order.

Jermaine Lewis, 40, of Brandwood Park Road, Birmingham, is due to be sentenced for conspiring to produce cannabis between July 19 and December 17, 2024.