Five jailed for more than 46 years for multi-kilo drug supply

Five men were sentenced today at Liverpool Crown Court (Thursday, 20 March) to a combined total of 46 years in prison for their part in a multi-kilo Class A and B drugs conspiracy.

John Collins,36, from Sandbach has been sentenced to 12 years and nine months. He was a leading member of the organised crime group who orchestrated the movement of controlled drugs and cash throughout Cheshire. He operated within the upper echelons of the group, directing other members to collect, cut, package, and distribute drugs and cash. Collins portrayed himself as a successful businessman, but his lifestyle was funded by criminal activities.

Stephen Lloyd, 37, of Stanthorn Place, Middlewich has been sentenced to 12 years and nine months. He was another principal member who directed trusted couriers and runners to transport and distribute drugs and cash. He used Jack Miller's address to store and bag up cocaine for distribution. 

Owen Lloyd, 26, of Chambers St, Crewe has been sentenced to six years and nine months.  The cousin of Stephen Lloyd, Owen weighed and packaged drugs under the direction of Collins and Stephen Lloyd in his bedroom. He lived a luxurious lifestyle and was often seen boasting about his activities in videos and photos showing him weighing and bagging cocaine along with significant amounts of cash. 

Jack Miller, 26, of Imperial Court, has been sentenced to six years and nine months. Initially employed as a runner for Collins and Lloyd, Miller assisted in packaging and storing drugs. He earned their trust and took on additional responsibilities, progressing up the hierarchy of the crime group.

Konrad KUPCZYK, 28, of Brookland Grove, Crewe has been sentenced to seven years and six months. As the upstream supplier of cocaine to the crime group, Kupczyk arranged deliveries and payments for the drugs via encrypted platforms like WhatsApp. He was familiar with specific drop spots used for transactions.

The group were arrested on 5 September 2024 when NWROCU detectives carried out simultaneous warrants across Cheshire.

Large amounts of cash, drugs and high value items including jewellery, watches and vehicles were seized from the addresses. 

The men pleaded guilty to the offences and were sentenced by the Judge today.

An expert witness in the case estimated that the group trafficked in the region of 8kg of cocaine and 200kg of cannabis across Cheshire between July 2023 to September 2024, making estimated profits of over £1 million.

Detective Chief Inspector Zoe Russo from the NWROCU’s Operations Team said:

"Today's sentencing marks another victory in our ongoing battle against organised crime. 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.

"This investigation highlights our unwavering commitment to pursuing those who engage in illegal activities and ensuring they face the full force of the law. We will continue to work tirelessly to protect our communities and bring offenders to justice."

Anyone with information or concerns about drugs in the local community should report to police online, or by calling 101. Always call 999 in an emergency.