Bolton drug dealers played key role in Welsh drug gang

David Halliwell, Jason Flannigan, and Heather Flannigan, all based in Bolton, transported drugs including heroin and cocaine to South Wales as part of an organised crime group trading in drugs worth millions.

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

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

During the course of the investigation – termed Operation Vemtor – almost 10 kilograms of cocaine and five kilograms of heroin were seized, which police say has a potential street value in excess of £1.5 million.

Police seized five kilograms of heroin (Image: South Wales Police)

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The group was headed by Kerry Evans, aged 35, from the region, who sourced drugs from North West England.

Evidence obtained during the course of the investigation showed that Evans was involved in the supply of more than 150kg of heroin and cocaine – with further evidence showing that he boasted about supplying around 600kg of controlled drugs in a year-long period.

Lloyd Jones, aged 30, Ricky Griffiths, aged 39, and Christopher Wray, aged 31, were directed by Evans and managed the criminal business in the Merthyr area of Wales, with Claire James, aged 37, using her home as a ‘safe house’ where drugs were stored.

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

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David Halliwell, aged 40, was based in Bolton and transported drugs to South Wales.

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

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

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

Further evidence showed that the Flannigans were responsible for local ‘street’ dealing of drugs in and around the Bolton area.

Asim Syed, aged 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 Christopher Wray, aged 31, in Merthyr.

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

Evidence also showed that Syed was employed by other organised crime groups around the UK conducting similar cash collections.

South Wales Police say it is estimated that Syed was responsible for collections totalling into millions of pounds. 

Detective Inspector Vinnie Easton from Tarian regional organised crime unit said: “We welcome the sentences given to these men and women for their roles in smuggling and selling very significant amounts of Class A drugs in south Wales.

“This thorough investigation uncovered a major drug conspiracy and is a great example of the detailed work carried out to combat this kind of organised crime.

"Illegal drugs have no place in our society, and the offenders in this operation were part of an organised criminal gang who caused harm and misery in our communities through the supply of drugs.”

Full sentences handed down

• 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.

If you have a story, I cover the whole borough of Bolton. Please get in touch at jack.fifield@newsquest.co.uk.