A SENIOR police officers has warned Organised Crime Groups operating in North Wales can expect firm and relentless action after a County Lines gang was jailed.

Nine members of a Flintshire-based drugs gang were today sentenced to more than 29 years in prison.

The prosecutions followed Operation Blue Magnitude, a joint investigation between North Wales Police and the North West Regional Organised Crime Unit (NWROCU) into class A drug supply in Deeside.

As part of the operation, a series of raids were conducted at addresses in Connah’s Quay, Shotton, Garden City and Queensferry earlier in June, which resulted in seizures of Class A drugs and cash.

The Leader: Middle: Lee Edwards. Clockwise from top left: Peter Bevan, Nathan Higgins, Lee Wignall, Dean Ashfield, Chad Stagg, Charlotte Johnston, Harry Gray, James Hill. All images: North Wales Police.Middle: Lee Edwards. Clockwise from top left: Peter Bevan, Nathan Higgins, Lee Wignall, Dean Ashfield, Chad Stagg, Charlotte Johnston, Harry Gray, James Hill. All images: North Wales Police.

It saw an undercover police officer named "Jimmy" make contact with the county lines operation supplying class A substances into Flintshire, then receiving the drugs from street dealers.

Senior Investigating Officer, DI Mark Hughes said: “Today’s sentencings are the result of a six-month long investigation, undertaken by North Wales Police and the North West Regional Organised Crime Unit (NWROCU).

“The investigation provided valuable intelligence on how these gangs operate and will enable us to continue to disrupt drug-dealing networks in North Wales and beyond.

“The sentences passed in this case demonstrates our commitment to tackle County Lines drug supply into North Wales and should be a strong deterrent to anyone considering any type of involvement with illegal drugs."

He added: “It also sends a clear message to all Organised Crime Groups (OCGs) that we will not tolerate illegal drug supply in North Wales, and those involved can expect firm and relentless action against them when caught.

“Tackling drug supply will remain a high priority for North Wales Police and I hope that the public are reassured by these convictions and the sentences imposed.”