Final eight members of Lancashire-based crime group jailed for multi-kilo drug conspiracy

Operation Acropolis, a long-running and complex investigation, led by the North West Organised Crime Unit, dismantled the network headed by Jack Donegan, who directed the distribution of cocaine and ketamine through a trusted team of couriers and associates. The OCG’s reach extended throughout the North West of England and beyond, supplying customers as far afield as Derby, London, and Great Yarmouth.

The scale of the conspiracy was vast, with the group believed to have supplied more than 800kg of Class A drugs throughout the conspiracy.

All defendants pled guilty. Eight were sentenced in December 2025, with the remaining eight sentenced today.

Michelle Cornock, 52, of Ivydale, Skelmersdale was sentenced for two years suspended for two years for her role in allowing premises to be used by the organised crime group to store drugs. The property involved belonged to her elderly and unwell mother, for whom Cornick said she was acting as a carer.

John Anderson, 42, of Flimby, Skelmersdale was jailed for six years and six months. He was a trusted courier for the organised crime group, making regular trips across the UK to deliver and collect drugs and cash. In total, he transported 67.5 kilograms of cocaine.

Mark Lloyd, 49, of Maunby Gardens, Salford, was jailed for six years. Lloyd was a significant member of the organised crime group and acted as a major customer, believed to be purchasing around 3 kilograms of cocaine on an almost weekly basis. On 29 July 2024, he was arrested at 26 Greenvale Court, where officers found him in possession of 3 kilograms of cocaine shortly after Sean Windsor had visited the address. Intelligence indicates that Lloyd accepted in excess of 17 kilograms of cocaine from the Lancashire OCG over the course of the conspiracy.

Glenn Cavanagh, 57, of Greenville Court, Cheadle, was sentenced for two years suspended for two years for his role in allowing his premises to be used to supply drugs from. 

Kevin Pledger, 38 of Harsnips, Skelmersdale was jailed for four years and three months. Pledger was a trusted courier for the organised crime group and was evidenced making multiple trips across the North West to deliver and collect criminal commodities.

Sean Windsor, 34, of Beechwood, Skelmersdale, was jailed for three years for his role as a courier for the crime group.

Ellis Nolan, 23, of King Street, Southport, was jailed for four years and six months. He was a trusted courier for the organised crime group and is believed to have been responsible for supplying more than 2 kilograms of cocaine as part of the conspiracy.

Kieran Sydenham, 27, of Duke Street, St Helens was another trusted courier for the crime group and was jailed for six years.

Detective Chief Inspector Kelly Wild from the NWROCU’s Operations Team said:

“This investigation has brought down a highly organised and well‑established criminal network that operated across the North West and beyond. Over a prolonged period, this group moved vast quantities of Class A drugs around the country, generating huge criminal profits and causing significant harm in the communities they targeted.

“With the final eight offenders now jailed, the total sentences imposed reach 106 years. These results underline the scale of the offending and demonstrate the consequences for those who choose to involve themselves in organised crime.

“The dedication shown by our officers throughout this operation has been exceptional. Their work exposed every layer of this network -  from those transporting drugs and cash to those directing the operation - ensuring all involved were held to account.”