A gang who used a tanning salon as a front for drug dealing have been jailed.

South Ribble Police have told how Operation Hawk saw a year-long operation culminate in the busting of an organised crime gang.

Run by Leanne Duffin she used Cosmopolitan Suntant Salon in Leyland Lane as the base for supplying Class A drugs across Preston, Chorley and South Ribble.

Chief Inspector Adamson said: “The investigation involved detective and uniformed staff and the extensive use of covert investigations to build a strong evidence case against the gang.

“The organised crime gang had been involved in the supply of Class A drugs for a number of years and an aggravating feature was the exploitation of vulnerable young people who were pressurised into dealing the drugs for Duffin. Following arrests members of the gang were charged with conspiracy to supply class a drugs (Cocaine), Class B drugs (cannabis) and money laundering.”

Read more: Prisoner found with more than £32,000 of drugs in his cell

Leanne Duffin received an eight year prison sentence, Brian Duffin six years, Geri Treadwell four years, Jordan Whittle three years and eight months and Kevin Hewitt 12 months.

Police say the assets belonging to Leanne Duffin have been frozen and will be subject to a Proceeds of Crime Act.

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Anyone with information about drug dealing in their area should call police on 101.