Drugs gang: from left to right: Lee Ormandy, Richard Painter and Michael McCue will serve a total of 16 years and two months in prison

A drugs baron who lived a life of luxury in an affluent village outside Preston has been jailed for nine years and four months.

Lee Ormandy who blighted the local community of New Longton for years was finally brought to justice after police moved to smash his gang who pedaled class A drugs across the North West.

39-year-old Ormandy pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply class A and C drugs.

Raids on the property on Chapel Lane and other houses in Merseyside, Cumbria and North Wales netted drugs with a street value of £200,000.

A local resident, who did not wish to be named, said of living in the New Longton area: “Often when I was passing there were police cars there.

“I remember one incident when there were police cars everywhere and a helicopter too. It was very scary.”

Det Insp Andy Black from the North West Regional Organised Crime Unit (TITAN) said: “These individuals had an adverse affect on the communities of Lancashire and Cumbria through their supply of drugs.

“We are committed to tackling organised crime gangs and cracking down on illegal drugs supply and we will do all we can to put those involved behind bars.

“We will continue to listen to the concerns of local residents and act upon them. Information from the public is vital for us to take action against suspected criminals and I would urge residents to work with us by telling us about any suspicious activity.”

Alongside Ormandy, two other men were jailed for their part in supplying drugs.

Michael McCue, 21, of Higher Croft, Penwortham, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply class C drugs and was given a one year prison sentence.

Richard Painter, 32, of St Davids Road, Preston, was jailed for five years and ten months after pleading guilty to conspiracy to supply class A drugs.

Anyone with information about drugs in their community can contact their local police or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.