Major criminal network dismantled: Lancashire Police secure over 100 years in sentences
Prison-based drug operations exposed following Operation Valiant
Lancashire Police’s Serious and Organised Crime team has successfully disrupted a sophisticated criminal network, dismantling operations led by Chad James, who orchestrated the supply of cocaine and cannabis while in prison.
On 27 February 2023, James was arrested at Manchester Airport while attempting to travel to Zurich.
His arrest followed Operation Venetic, triggered by intelligence from the National Crime Agency after data was extracted from the encrypted messaging network Encrochat, commonly used by criminals.
James later pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply Class A and B drugs, money laundering, and conspiracy to supply a firearm. In August 2023, he was sentenced to 16 years in prison.
Despite his incarceration, James continued to run his drug operations from his cell, collaborating with Mark McGovern and other associates to courier drugs and launder cash.
Earlier this month, James and other members of the organised crime group were sentenced following Operation Valiant, conducted by Lancashire Police’s Serious and Organised Crime Unit.
James received an additional 4 years and 11 months, bringing his total sentence to over 20 years.
Combined sentences for the gang exceeded 100 years.
Detective Chief Inspector Tom Edmondson said:
“Chad James was the man behind a sophisticated organised criminal gang supplying many kilos of drugs in Lancashire and beyond and I welcome these significant sentences.
“However, our work continues unabated. We are determined to leave no stone unturned in our efforts to rid local communities of organised crime and the misery it can cause.
“We will continue to relentlessly pursue those causing the most harm to our communities, we know there is more work to do and we’re continuing to go after more."
Defendants include:
Chad James (30/07/88), HMP Wymott (formerly Lytham Road, Blackpool. Conspiracy to supply cocaine and cannabis. Four years 11 months (20y 11m with previous sentence)
Mark McGovern (13/09/63), Ingleway Avenue, Blackpool. Conspiracy to supply cocaine. 12 years six months
John Green (02/05/82), Brodick Drive, Bolton. Conspiracy to supply cocaine. Seven years. Seven years
Sean Norbury (02/06/88), Kingsland Grove, Blackpool. Conspiracy to supply cocaine. Seven years seven months
Adam Walker (25/02/87), Fenber Avenue, Blackpool. Conspiracy to supply cocaine. Five years five months
Dean O’Hara (21/01/95), Coopers Way, Blackpool. Conspiracy to supply cocaine. Six years.
Brandon Gaskell (04/08/01), New Rough Hey, Preston. Conspiracy to supply cocaine. Four years ten months
Tony Johnson (05/06/88), Horncliffe Road, Blackpool. Conspiracy to supply cannabis and possession with intent to supply cocaine. Four years five months.
Shawn Drinkwater (17/10/85), Seabourne Avenue, Blackpool. Conspiracy to supply cannabis. 12 months.
Mark Harris (15/02/93), Foxtail Close, Poulton le Fylde. Conspiracy to supply cocaine and cannabis. Eight years.
Brandon Vaughan (27/05/93), Lytham Road, Blackpool. Conspiracy to supply cocaine and cannabis. Seven years six months
Andrew Walsh (31/08/63), Greystoke Place, Blackpool. Conspiracy to supply cocaine. Eight years
Mark Senior (26/01/91), Adstone Place, Blackpool. Possession with intent to supply cocaine and money laundering. 26 months
Peter James (16/07/60), Scarsdale Avenue, Blackpool. Money laundering. 26 months.
Archie Fowler (02/10/76), Carshalton Road, Blackpool. Money laundering. Three years
Nicola Sharples (24/02/92), Lytham Road, Blackpool. Assisting an OCG. 16 months.
Christian Jarvis (16/04/94), Priory Mews, Lytham St Annes. Assisting an OCG. 12 months
This crackdown forms part of Operation Warrior, Lancashire Police’s ongoing strategy to combat serious and organised crime, supported by Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw.
The initiative targets criminal networks and associated issues such as violence, large-scale drug supply, exploitation, and fraud, all of which threaten local communities.