Members of a 'major drug supply network' jailed

Konrad Kupczyk (top left); Jack Miller (centre); Owen Lloyd (top right); Stephen Lloyd (bottom left); John Collins (bottom right)

Five men who formed part of 'a major drug supply network' have been jailed.

The gang, who police said formed a serious threat to community safety, were arrested in September when police carried out simultaneous warrants across Cheshire.

The judge at Liverpool Crown Court heard the group trafficked an estimated 8kg (17 lb) of cocaine and 200kg (440 lb) of cannabis between July 2023 to September 2024, with profits of about £1m.

They recieved sentences of between 12 and six years for charges including orchestrating the movement of controlled drugs and cash throughout Cheshire.

Officers said they seized large amounts of cash, drugs and high value items - including jewellery, watches and vehicles, during the raids.

• John Collins, 36, from Sandbach, was sentenced to 12 years and nine months in prison for his role in orchestrating the movement of controlled drugs and cash throughout Cheshire.

• Stephen Lloyd, 37, of Stanthorn Place, Middlewich was sentenced to 12 years and nine months in jail. Police said he directed couriers and runners to transport and distribute drugs and cash.

• Owen Lloyd, 26, of Minshull New Road, Crewe, was sentenced to six years and nine months behind bars. He weighed and packaged drugs in his bedroom, officers said.

• Jack Miller, 26, of Imperial Court, Nantwich, was sentenced to six years and nine months. He assisted in packaging and storing drugs, officers said.

• Konrad Kupczyk, 28, of Brookland Street, Crewe, was sentenced to seven years and six months. He arranged deliveries and payments for the drugs, police said.

The men were sentenced on 20 March.

Det Ch Insp Zoe Russo from the North West Regional Organised Crime Unit said: "The diligent work of our detectives has led to the dismantling of a major drug supply network that posed a serious threat to the safety and well-being of our communities."