A criminal group involved in the drug trade, known for their extravagant lifestyle, has been apprehended for distributing cocaine in our communities. Following police investigation, ten members of the gang have collectively received over 52 years in prison. Images revealed some members enjoying a spa trip in white bathrobes, while another photo displayed piles of cash seized by the police during their operation.
The mastermind behind the operation, Paddy Nolan, aged 29, orchestrated the distribution of multiple kilograms of cocaine obtained from outside Lancashire. Lancashire Police detectives uncovered evidence indicating Nolan’s substantial wealth and access to large sums of money from the drug trade. One of Nolan’s associates, Ross Boys, 29, supplied cocaine to dealers in East Lancashire.
Another crucial figure in the gang, Darren Mott, 47, served as the cash courier, shuttling money between Manchester and Lancashire. During a police surveillance operation on November 14, 2024, Mott was found carrying £100,000 in cash during a meeting with Nolan, leading to their subsequent arrest on December 2, 2024.
Additional members of the gang were arrested later in the same month and in January 2025. All members pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute cocaine and were sentenced at Burnley Crown Court. Chief Inspector Sarah Denson praised the efforts of the East Targeted Crime Unit in dismantling the gang and ensuring justice was served.
Nolan, hailing from Nelson, Lancashire, received a sentence of 11 years and eight months. Boys, residing in Burnley, was sentenced to seven years and six months, while Mott, from Manchester, was imprisoned for six years and nine months. The remaining six members from Burnley received varying sentences, with Matthew Waterworth, 34, handed a five-year term.
Regan Burnie, 34, was sentenced to four years and 11 months, Aaron Cormack, 31, received three years and nine months, and Luke Barritt, 37, was given a term of three years and eight months. Leon Canning, 27, and Jacob Dewhurst, 29, were both sentenced to three years and two months. Jamie Howes, 29, of Padiham, Lancashire, received a three-year and one-month sentence.
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