Third member of Chester drugs gang jailed

A third member of a Chester drugs gang that was operating in Chester has now been jailed.

Gary Roebuck, 33, of Alan Street, Northwich, appeared at Chester Crown Court on Friday 15 November where he was sentenced to two years in prison.

The 33-year-old had previously pleaded guilty of two counts of Conspiracy to supply the supply of Class A drugs.

His sentencing follows the sentencing of Connor Robins and Michael Curtis who both appeared at Chester Crown Court on Wednesday 9 October.

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 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 Michael 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 all three were arrested and charged with drugs offences.

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

“I welcome the sentences handed to trio 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, Curtis and Roebuck 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.