Gang members jailed for Flintshire drug supply operation

Members of an Organised Crime Gang (OCG) who orchestrated the large-scale supply of Class A and B drugs into Flintshire have been jailed.

A total of eight individuals, some of whom were related, who were found to be involved in the drug operation appeared for sentencing at Mold Crown Court today, Thursday, 22 January.

All were charged for their varying roles and involvement in the conspiracy to supply cocaine, ketamine, and cannabis.

Cumulatively, the defendants received custodial sentences that totalled more than 47 years in prison.

Their convictions follow a detailed and protracted investigation led by the North Wales Police Serious and Organised Crime Unit.

‘Operation Zero’ focused on the criminal activities of the gang between December 2022 and November 2023.

During this period, extensive intelligence gathering was undertaken by investigating officers.

The investigation was focused on the day-to-day activities and lifestyles of suspects within the criminal network.

Lee Rigby, 42, of Station Road, Sandycroft, was established as the head of the gang’s illicit drug activity, sourcing kilogram quantities of cocaine, ketamine and cannabis from upstream suppliers and organising the selling of the substances on a commercial scale.

Operation Zero identified several other subjects within the wider criminal network, each of whom occupied varying roles and responsibilities within the OCG’s lucrative operation.

Rigby was assisted by his trusted associate, Mark Poh, 42, who lived with Rigby at Station Road, Sandycroft. Poh was responsible for the weighing and packaging of the illegal substances, before the pair would then distribute locally through trusted downstream suppliers.

He was also observed in several criminal meetings with Rigby’s upstream suppliers, handing over cash for the drugs.

Daniel Carrroll, 33, of Engfield Avenue, Connah’s Quay, Rigby’s half-brother, funded the business, providing Rigby with cash to buy the drugs in return for profit.

Carroll would also collect cash on behalf of others for Rigby and use his home as a safe storage for the money.

Rigby’s 21-year-old son, Wesley Rigby, of Maes Glyndwr, Treuddyn, and Frank Jones, 35, of Cornist Lane, Flint, were two of Rigby’s main downstream suppliers.

Jack Harpur, 31, of Sandy Lane, Deeside, had a varying role within the conspiracy, mainly using his home to store cash and supplying smaller amount of drugs for Poh.

At a hearing at Mold Crown Court on 12 May 2025, Katie Williams, 35, of Deva Avenue, Connah’s Quay and Claire Clegg, 43, of Chevrons Road, Shotton, were sentenced for their roles in assisting the gang through storing money in their homes.

Jessica Lett, 38, of Chevrons Road, Shotton, was also sentenced for supplying cocaine and cannabis.

All three were handed a 12-month community order with the condition that they must do 15 days of rehabilitation activity.

Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Chief Inspector Richard Sidney said: “Drugs ruin lives, blight communities, and bring misery to users and their families.

“This investigation has dismantled an established supply network within Flintshire and that is testament to the diligent police work and specialist skills of a large team of officers working within our Serious and Organised Crime team.

“Today’s outcome should act as a strong deterrent to anyone involved in drug supply, and a reminder that that we will continue to take decisive action to dismantle organised crime and associated criminal networks.

“Tackling drug supply will remain a priority for North Wales Police, but we cannot do this without the continued assistance of our communities.

“If you have information on the supply of drugs in your area, please get in touch, or report if anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers so we can take action.”

 

The full list of defendants and their respective charges is provided below:

• Lee Rigby, 42, of Station Road, Sandycroft – 16 years and three months for conspiracy to supply Class A and B drugs.

• Mark Poh, 42, of Station Road, Sandycroft – 14 years for conspiracy to supply Class A and B drug.

• Adam Hill, 39, of Upper Aston Hall Lane, Hawarden – Five years and 8 months for conspiracy to supply Class A and B drugs.

• Frank Jones, 35, of Cornist Lane, Flint - Five years and 10 months for conspiracy to supply Class A and B drugs.

• Stephen Lowe, 32, of Woodfield Avenue, Flint - Five years and 10 months for conspiracy to supply Class A and B drugs.

• Wesley Rigby, 21, of Maes Glyndwr, Treuddyn– Two years, suspended for two years, for conspiracy to supply Class A and B drugs.
• Daniel Carroll, 33, of Engfield Avenue, Connah’s Quay – Six months, suspended for 2 years, for transferring criminal property
• Jack Harpur, 31, of Sandy Lane, Broughton– Two years suspended for conspiracy to supply Class A drugs.