Bolton drug dealers played a key role in the Welsh drugs gang

David Halliwell, Jason Flannigan and Heather Flannigan, all based in Bolton, transported drugs, including heroin and cocaine, into south Wales as part of an organized crime group that trafficked drugs worth millions.

Last week, 11 members of the group were sentenced to a combined nearly 80 years in prison at Cardiff Crown Court.

According to South Wales Police, the Merthyr Tydfil-based group was involved in the wholesale distribution of heroin and cocaine across South Wales.

During the investigation – dubbed Operation Vemtor – almost 10 kilograms of cocaine and five kilograms of heroin were seized, which police say could have a street value of more than £1.5 million.

The police confiscated five kilograms of heroin (Image: South Wales Police)

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The group was led by local resident Kerry Evans, 35, who sourced medicine from North West England.

Evidence obtained during the investigation showed Evans was involved in the supply of more than 150kg of heroin and cocaine – further evidence shows he boasted of supplying around 600kg of controlled drugs in a year.

Lloyd Jones, 30, Ricky Griffiths, 39, and Christopher Wray, 31, were managed by Evans and ran the criminal business in the Merthyr area of ​​Wales, while Claire James, 37, used their house as a “safe home” where drugs were stored became.

Alex Davies, 28, and Leon Owen, 29, acted as couriers and traveled to the north of England to deliver cash on behalf of Kerry Evans.

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David Halliwell, 40, lived in Bolton and was transporting drugs into South Wales.

On March 16, 2023, Halliwell transported 10kg of cocaine to Merthyr.

Jason Flannigan, 47, and Heather Flannigan, 42, also based in Bolton, were also used as couriers.

On March 16 last year the duo transported five kilograms of heroin into south Wales.

Further evidence showed that the Flannigans were responsible for local street drug dealing in and around the Bolton area.

Asim Syed, 45, from Enfield in London, had the role of a cash courier. On January 11, 2023, Syed was arrested after collecting almost £99,000 in cash from 31-year-old Christopher Wray in Merthyr.

Police seized cash worth £99,000 (Image: South Wales Police)

The evidence also showed that Syed was employed by other organized crime groups in the UK who carried out similar money collection operations.

According to South Wales Police, Syed is estimated to have been responsible for millions of pounds in collections.

Detective Inspector Vinnie Easton, of the Tarian Regional Organized Crime Unit, said: “We welcome the sentences imposed on these men and women for their role in the smuggling and selling of very large quantities of Class A drugs in South Wales.”

“This thorough investigation uncovered a major drug conspiracy and is a great example of the detailed work being done to combat this type of organized crime.”

“Illegal drugs have no place in our society and the perpetrators of this operation were part of an organized criminal gang who caused harm and misery in our communities through the supply of drugs.”

Full verdicts announced

• Kerry Evans, 35: 14 years, five months
• Lloyd Jones, 30: Eight years, 10 months
• Ricky Griffiths, 39: Seven years, one month
• Alex Davies, 28: Seven years.
• Christopher Wray, 31: Seven years, six months.
• David Halliwell, 40: Six years, seven months.
• Heather Flannigan, 42: Four years, three months.
• Jason Flannigan, 47: Seven years, eight months.
• Leon Owen, 29: Seven years, nine months.
• Asim Syed, 45: 18 months.
• Claire James, 37: Seven years, 10 months.

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