Chester drugs gang jailed

Two members of a drugs gang that was operating in Chester have been jailed.

Connor Robins and Michael Curtis both appeared at appeared at Chester Crown Court on Wednesday 9 October where they were sentenced to a total of 8 years in prison.

Robins, 28, of Clover Lane, Chester, was jailed for five years and Curtis, 47, also of Clover Lane, Chester, was sentenced to three years in prison.

Both men had previously been found guilty of two counts of conspiracy to supply of Class A drugs.

A third defendant in the case, Gary Roebuck, 33, of Alan Street, Northwich, has been remanded in custody and is set to be sentenced at Chester Crown Court on Friday 15 November having pleaded guilty of two counts of Conspiracy to supply the supply of Class A drugs.

The court heard how in June 2023 officers from Chester Proactive Policing Team launched operation Starship in response to intelligence that a drugs line was being operated in the Lache area of Chester.

The number was being used to send flare messages on a daily basis, offering to supply heroin and crack cocaine.

During their enquiries officers established that the phone line was being controlled by Robins.

In order to minimise his risk of being detected Robins recruited two other men to work for him - Gary Roebuck and Micheel Curtis.

Roebuck was given the task of looking after the phone and taking orders on behalf of Robins, while the Curtis acted as a chauffeur, helping him to collect the drugs from Liverpool and deliver them to users across Chester.

After gathering a catalogue of evidence against the men, they were all arrested on Thursday 1 February.

During questioning, Robin denied any involvement in the supply of illegal drugs. He claimed that he was simply friends with the two other men and stated that he did not know who was controlling the drugs gang.

Meanwhile, Curtis admitted that he was a drugs user, but also denied any involvement in the supply of illegal drugs.

Despite their denial, both men were charged with being concerned in the supply of heroin and crack cocaine.

Following the sentencing, Detective Constable Richard Connolley, of Chester Proactive Policing Team, said:

“I welcome the sentences handed to Robins and Curtis and I hope they act as a warning to others involved in the supply of illegal drugs.

“Robins thought that by taking a hands-off approach he would be able to avoid detection, and simply pass the blame onto Curtis and Roebuck, while keeping all of the profits.

“However, he clearly underestimated the dedication and commitment of the team here at Chester to ensure that all those involved in the supply of illegal drugs are held accountable for their actions.”

Detective Sergeant Roy Wellings added:

“While Robins and Curtis are now behind bars, our fight against illegal drugs remains ongoing and information from the public is vital.

“I’d urge anyone with any information in relation to drug-related activity in their community to get in touch.”

Information can be reported via cheshire.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime or via 101. Alternatively, you can report information anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.