THREE men have been jailed for their part in a conspiracy to bring class A drugs to North Wales.

Appearing before Mold Crown Court on Friday afternoon were 21-year-old Mark Lavelle, of Prince William Street in Liverpool, 29-year-old Shaun Lines, of Kingsley Road in Garden City, 23-year-old Jonathan Jones, of Lancaster Road in Widnes and 33-year-old Kayleigh Jones of of Kingsley Road in Garden City.

The four had all admitted conspiracy to supply cocaine and heroin.

Matthew Dunford, prosecuting, told the court the offences took place between May and October in 2019.

The most active figure in the operation was Jonathan Jones, who was known as "Scouse Taz."

Mr Dunford said the offences involved the use of a 'county lines' phone which would be used to send out bulk messages advertising the substances and offering delivery.

Several hire vehicles and county line numbers were used throughout the lifespan of the conspiracy.

The vehicles were spotted making frequent journeys between North Wales and Liverpool, as well as short stops at locations across Flintshire - described to the court at "street dealing."

Shaun Lines, Kayleigh Jones and Mark Lavelle were arrested in early October of that year and largely gave no comment to police.

Jonathan Jones was injured in a shooting in Walton on October 20, the court heard, involving wounds to his leg and ankle.

Mr Dunford said it was believed he had been attacked by four men wearing balaclavas.

He was taken to hospital and was arrested the next day.

When interviewed by police, Jones admitted to officers that he had supplied class A substances.

He said he'd pick up packages and deliver thousands of pounds in cash to his boss and that his role had been to keep an eye on the packaging of the drugs.

Phillip Tully, defending Shaun Lines, said: "He has no relevant convictions, this is completely out of character for him.

"He wishes to express his genuine remorse.

"He's a family man and wants to put these matters behind him and move on with his life."

Paul Wood, defending Mark Lavalle, said: "This defendant is very young and he was involved for a short period of time."

Sentencing the three men first, Judge Niclas Parry told them: "Once again North Wales is targeted by a serious organised crime group.

"The three of you are to be sentenced not only for making the most harmful drugs available throughout Flintshire, but for being part of the wider conspiracy.

"It involved multiple supply transactions.

"When you engage in a conspiracy you agree to the commission of many crimes.

"In this case, over six months, Mr Jones and Mr Lines in particular were involved on an almost daily basis. "You were transporting drugs and taking significant amounts of cash. "This activity was so profitable it continued even after you knew the police were onto you.

"You would all have had an awareness of the scale of the operation and you'd have all been motivated by financial advantage."

Jonathon Jones was jailed for four years, with Shaun Lines jailed for three years and nine months.

Mark Lavelle was jailed for three years.

Turning to Kayleigh Jones, Judge Parry said: "Your position is different - acting out of false loyalty to your then partner, Mr Lines. "You hired a vehicle, and you knew what it was for."

Judge Parry handed her a four month sentence, but suspended it for two years.

She must undertake 35 days of rehabilitation activity and 40 hours of unpaid work.

“Detective Inspector Mark Hughes said: “Operation Blue Moon was an investigation into a county line group which operated in the Flintshire area and was known locally as the 'TAZ' line.

"I am delighted with today’s sentences and I hope this sends a message that North Wales Police will not tolerate drug dealing and will pursue those who cause harm and misery to our communities.”