Eight people, who were involved in an organised criminal gang supplying Class A drugs in Preston, have been jailed for almost 50 years.

Operation Chihuahua was initially launched last year following an increase in the number of incidents where serious violence had been used, with the majority of activity stemming from drug-related activity.

At Preston Crown Court on Friday 3 August, Linford Baron, 27, of St Marks Road was jailed for 13-and-a-half years for conspiracy to supply cocaine and heroin after earlier pleading guilty.

His mother Wendy Baron, 46, of Mardale Road, was convicted after a trial of conspiracy to supply cocaine and heroin and jailed for 10 years.

Six others were jailed for between two-and-a-half and six years for drugs offences.

Kieron Killeen

Kieron Killeen, 29, of Bowness Road was jailed for six years for conspiracy to supply heroin.

Mohammed Sulaman Khan, 47, of Ribbleton Lane was jailed for five years and six months for conspiracy to supply heroin.

Lee-ann Mclaughlin, 27, of Dodgson Road, was jailed for three years for conspiracy to supply heroin.

Ben Hartley, 19, of Lynn Place, was jailed for two years and six months for conspiracy to supply heroin.

Matthew Carberry, 19, of Dundonald Street, was jailed for two years and six months for conspiracy to supply heroin.

Jordan Middleton, 18, of Franklands Drive was jailed for four years for conspiracy to supply cocaine.

Read more: Suspected drug dealer on the run in Preston

What the police had to say

Detective Inspector Roger Ashcroft, of Preston Police, said: “We welcome these convictions and sentences which will hopefully send a clear message to those who may be involved in organised crime that we will not sit back and tolerate this sort of activity in our city and on our streets.

“We will continue to work with our communities and partners build and work on our intelligence to constantly target those that may be involved in drugs supply, as well as the violence and anti-social behaviour that comes hand in hand with drug dealing so we can protect and keep safe the most vulnerable in our city.

“We want to disrupt and deal with those who may be involved in criminality, but also that we can warn and educate young people about the consequences of going down the same path. It’s also really important that as part of this work, communities feel stronger and more empowered to do what they can to prevent serious organised crime from becoming the community norm.”

Any information can be passed to police via 101 or anonymously by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.