Crime gang jailed after £1.5m worth of drugs seized

Operation Haunt was launched by Cheshire Constabulary following an investigation into a conspiracy to supply cocaine between October 2023 and March 2025. The OCG was primarily based in the Chester, North Wales, and Staffordshire areas.

Scott Ward was the head of the OCG, directing the large-scale supply of cocaine and arranging for it to be stored, packaged and delivered to drug suppliers further down the supply chain.

Booth was the upstream supplier to the OCG, while Lee Ward and Allman were bulk suppliers, utilising street dealers.

Eyre and Wiggins were couriers, with Eyre transporting cocaine primarily from Blacon to Whitchurch and Holt, while Wiggins transported it between Chester and Stoke.

Higgins, Crank, Bell, Stokes, and Bright were street suppliers, and Whitley was utilised as a stash house.

Following enquiries establishing the members of the OCG and their roles within it, officers executed a warrant at an address in Whitchurch on 28 June 2024, in which Higgins was present, along with a quantity of cocaine.

Further intervention took place on 12 July 2024, when Eyres’ vehicle was stopped on the A41 heading towards Whitchurch. Cash and cocaine were seized from both Eyres and his vehicle.

On 25 October 2024, Bell was stopped by police as he arrived home and a warrant was executed at his address. He tried to run from police but was detained and found in possession of an ounce of cocaine.

On 22 November 2024, a warrant was executed at an address in Chester where Bright was arrested and cocaine and cash were seized. A warrant was also executed at Stokes’ address and Stokes was located in the back garden trying to dispose of his phone in the neighbours’ garden.

On 25 November 2024, police stopped Wiggins between junction 14 and 15 of the M6 and a search of the vehicle revealed 15 large blocks of cocaine in the boot. The total weight was 15kg, with a potential street value of up to £1.5m. A further search of his home address was carried out and further drugs were recovered.

On 13 December 2024 Stokes was subject of a targeted traffic stop and was arrested for drug driving. A warrant was subsequently executed at his home address and a total of 2.5 ounces of cocaine was recovered.

On 3 April 2025, almost all of the defendants were arrested in a co-ordinated strike day with more than half a kilogram of cocaine seized from the stash house which was being used by the group. Meanwhile, Wiggins was produced from prison, and Higgins was later arrested on 20 April 2025.

The total value of the drugs seized throughout the investigation was up to £1,583,150 street value.

Scott Ward, Lee Ward and Allman in particular were evidenced as living far beyond their means. They owned expensive vehicles without finance, owned other assets such as boats and spend thousands each year on frequent holidays abroad. Lee Ward did not even have a bank account and had no declared income or benefits. Scott Ward’s bank account showed massive turnover, while his declared income and his bank did not account for his lifestyle.

All defendants were ultimately charged with the offences and pleaded guilty at court. Booth - the upstream supplier - accepted he was responsible for the supply of at least 75 kilos of cocaine to various areas of the country during the conspiracy period, which would have an estimated street value of up to £7.5 million.

Detective Sergeant Roy Wellings said:

“The conclusion of this case marks the end of a lengthy investigation, and we would like to thank the officers who worked tirelessly to gather intelligence in relation to the OCG and ultimately see them brought before the courts.

“It is thanks to their hard work and the evidence stacked up against them that the 12 individuals pleaded guilty to these offences.

“This case should serve as an example that crime does not pay – the group’s expensive items were seized during the strike day and instead of fancy holidays to unwind, a majority are now facing plenty of free-time behind bars.

“It is well known that the supply of drugs wreak havoc in the local community and Class A drugs with a total street value of over £1.5m has been taken off the streets.

“Our fight against illegal drugs is never over, and we will continue to tackle these offences. You can help us by reporting any drug-related activity to us via 101 or through our website.”