THE youngest member of a multi-million pound drugs operation in Bolton has begun a seven-and-a-half-year prison sentence.

Carl Entwistle, aged 22, was jailed on Friday at Liverpool Crown Court by Judge David Swift.

He was the last gang member to be sentenced after being convicted of conspiring to supply heroin, cocaine and crack cocaine over 15 months ending in November 1999.

Entwistle, from Cromford Close, Brownlow Fold, had been remanded in custody for a pre-sentence report to be prepared.

During the trial, the jury heard the operation was smashed by police planting a hidden microphone in the gang's headquarters at Debbie's Diner in Folds Road.

The drugs were brought in from Liverpool and distinctively packaged before being left in discreet places for others to pick up and sell on. Jailing Entwistle, Judge David Swift said he had been involved in a well-organised, sophisticated criminal operation. He said that Entwistle knew drugs brought misery but he involved himself in the "wretched trade".

Judge Swift added: "Your role was to find points where caches of drugs could be stashed, receiving orders from dealers, directing them to collection points so supplies could be collected and money due could be obtained.

"You were working below the others and you were the kink in the distribution network.

"I accept you were not at the centre of it but you were an essential link responsible for organising and maintaining supplies to distributors, many of whom reported to you. You were deeply involved, playing an important part in the substantial criminal operation.

"You were more than an errand boy but I accept there was naivety on your part in the early stages."

He told him that if he had been older, he would have received a 10-year sentence.

Defence QC Richard Marks said that Entwistle became involved after getting to know Billy Webb, the man alleged to have been at the heart of the plot, when he began working car valeting in adjacent premises to Webb.

The 41-year-old took a liking to him and gave him the use of a Ford Cosworth and let him stay in his substantial home when he was on holiday.

Entwistle was impressed and flattered. When drugs were later mentioned, he found Webb a hard man to say no to.

He did not become a partner in the business. He was paid a wage and did not receive any profits.

Mr Marks said: "He has been foolish rather than wicked and is genuinely remorseful."

Seven years for the youngest member who was 'essential link'

CARL Entwistle played a crucial role in the wholesale distribution of the drugs to the street dealers.

He was an essential link between the main players and the dealers on the streets.

The 22-year-old would take orders for the drugs and hide the packages in public but discreet place, including Moss Bank Park, to be collected later.

This reduced the need for face-to-face contact between the distributors and those further up the chain.

The gang supplied the majority of Class A drugs in Bolton and attempted to create a local monopoly controlled by violence and intimidation.

Drugs worth £1 million were seized during the police operation.

The five other gang members received a total of 61 years following Operation Waddington, which was carried out by Greater Manchester Police Drug Unit.

Drugs boss John Barber, aged 35, of Twisse Road, Breightmet, was sentenced to 22 years in his absence.

He is currently on the run with his 21-year-old pregnant girlfriend Victoria Dudson after absconding halfway through the trial.

Directors Lee Bonney, aged 34, of Nantwich Walk, Great Lever, and Alan Bentley, aged 34, of Dunoon Drive, Astley Bridge, were jailed for 17 and 14 years respectively.

Brian Roper, aged 25, of Thornbank South, Deane, and 38-year-old Martin Wright, of Redstock Close, Westhoughton, pleaded guilty and were both sentenced to four years.

Gang member Billy Webb was shot dead in his flat in Wigan before the trial began.

Welcoming the sentence, Detective Chief Inspector Gerry Donnellan of the force drug unit said: "This is the final chapter in what has been a long and complex investigation.

"It has resulted in the removal of Bolton's main drug dealers from the streets and I believe these sentences have reflected each individual's role within the organisation.

"These six men represented a major drug dealing operation which monopolised the market in Bolton and generated millions of pounds.

"The one aspect of this case left unfinished is the location of John Barber, who failed to return to court after Christmas and was sentenced to 22 years in his absence.

"Anyone who can help us find John Barber or sees him is asked to contact Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555 111 or to call 999."