Drug-dealing gang with lavish lifestyles jailed

Ten members of a gang who lived lavished lifestyles including spa days funded by "peddling drugs" on the streets have been jailed.

Ringleader Paddy Nolan, 29, of Nelson, Lancashire, was in charge of bringing kilos of cocaine into the county for distribution by his gang, who also ensured money owed by buyers was collected.

Ross Boys, Nolan's most trusted mid-level marketeer, and Darren Mott, the gang's cash courier who was caught with £100,000 cash on him, were arrested alongside Nolan in 2024.

The gang all pleaded at Burnley Crown Court to conspiracy to supply cocaine. Nolan was jailed for 11 years and eight months, Boys for seven years and six months and Mott for six years and nine months.

Evidence showed during the investigation that Nolan, of Hallam Road, had amassed a significant amount of wealth and had access to large amounts of cash, allowing him to live a lavish lifestyle, Lancashire Police said.

Boys, of Burnley, Lancashire, was a trusted member of the drugs network who supplied mid-level amounts of cocaine to other dealers in east Lancashire.

Mott, of Irlam, Salford, Greater Manchester, meanwhile, made frequent journeys from Greater Manchester to Lancashire, staying only a short time in the latter.

Police said on 14 November 2024, Mott was seen carrying a large rucksack in the company of Nolan and then travelled in Nolan's car.

Mott then transferred to another car and, when that car was stopped by officers, £100,000 cash was found in his rucksack.

The rest of the gang, who were arrested later the same month as Nolan, Boys and Mott and were sentenced in January 2025 were as follows:

• Matthew Waterworth, 34, of Burnley, jailed for five years
• Regan Burnie, 34, of Burnley, jailed for four years and 11 months
• Aaron Cormack, 31, of Burnley, jailed for three years nine months
• Luke Barritt, 37, of Burnley, jailed for three years and eight months
• Leon Canning, 27, of Burnley, jailed for three years and two months.
• Jacob Dewhurst, 29, of Burnley, jailed for three years and two months
• Jamie Howes, 29, of Padiham, jailed for three years and one month.

Ch Insp Sarah Denson said: "This gang made significant amounts of money peddling drugs on our streets but despite their best efforts to cover their tracks and to evade capture are now behind bars."

Listen to the best of BBC Radio Lancashire on Sounds and follow BBC Lancashire on Facebook, X and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.