Liverpool to Preston cocaine gang sentenced after 10-month police investigation

Top row from left: Christopher Ormandy, Lee Ormandy, Daniel Eastham and Steven Smith Bottom row from left: Amin Patel, Saqub Hussain, George Heary and James Heary

A drugs gang moving cocaine between Liverpool and Preston have been jailed after a 10-month long police investigation.

Five Preston men have received prison sentences for their part in the drugs gang with another man given a suspended sentence.

The group were caught after the gang’s driver – Steven Smith – was stopped by police at a petrol station in New Hall Lane in October 2020.

Officers found cocaine with a value of between £13,440 to £19,500 hidden under the front passenger seat.

The cocaine found by police within the car Pic: Preston Police

The majority of the gang were jailed in November last year with Daniel Eastham, 33, one of the gang’s customers, the final man to be given his sentence at Preston Crown Court on Friday 22 March.

The gang’s sentences in full

Lee Ormandy, 51, of Ashbury Road, Huyton, Liverpool, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine. 14 years.

Christopher Ormandy, 41, of Ashbury Road, Huyton, Liverpool, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine. 14 years.

Saqub Hussain, 44, of St Paul’s Road, Deepdale, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine. Seven years and six months.

Steven Smith, 39, of Saxby Street, Liverpool, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine. Six years and nine months.

Daniel Eastham, 33, of Fishwick Parade, Fishwick, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine. Six years.

George Heary, 27, of Waterloo Road, Ashton-on-Ribble, denied conspiracy to supply cocaine and found guilty by a jury. Nine years and six months.

James Heary, 33, of Norris Street, Plungington, denied conspiracy to supply cocaine and found guilty by a jury. Eight years.

An eighth man, Amin Patel, 48, of Deepdale, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine. He was given a two-year suspended sentence.

What police said

Detective Sergeant Richard Clancy of Preston Police said: “This was an organised supply line of Class A drugs between Liverpool and Preston.

“Our operation to dismantle it was a complex and extensive one, and we welcome the lengthy sentences which have been passed on seven men.

“Drug dealing and drug taking is a scourge on society, bringing misery and other forms of criminality to communities.”

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